Successful Mammoth Pools Search and Rescue 

August 5, 2024 – Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that shortly before 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 3, 2024, the Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call reporting a missing child at the Mammoth Pool Reservoir Campground. Deputies learned that a 5-year-old boy wandered off from a camp site while his family was preparing dinner.

MCSO Deputies, along with USFS Law Enforcement personnel, responded to the campground and began a preliminary search of the area. Members of MCSO Boat Patrol Unit and Search and Rescue Team deployed additional equipment and aided search efforts. A trailing K9 from CARDA (California Rescue Dog Association) was brought to the scene, and CHP helicopter H-42 responded to provide aerial support, along with CALFIRE FIRIS Aircraft.

Search and rescue operations continued overnight. At first light, members of MCSO Dive, OHV, and Technical Ropes Teams joined the search, along with personnel from Fresno SO, Mariposa SO Tulare SO, Santa Clara SO, and Bay Area Mountain Rescue.

Around 8:00 A.M. on Sunday, August 4, the child was spotted by a camp host emerging from the brush and onto the road, not far from the campgrounds. He appeared alert and calm and was taken to the command post to be evaluated by medical personnel and reunited with his family.

Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue reflects, “We are overjoyed by this truly remarkable outcome. Our gratitude goes out to our fellow law enforcement partners who provided resources and assistance to support rescue efforts. Thank you to everyone who participated in the search, and to the camp host for their vigilance and quick action. Today’s happy ending is one to be celebrated and remembered!”

Source & photo: Madera County Sheriff's Office