October 27, 2025 – Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that over the last month, the Madera County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team has been involved in multiple incidents assisting members of the community.

On October 12, the Madera Sheriff’s Communications Center received a 9-1-1 text from an Apple iPhone regarding an injured dirt bike rider. The brief text provided location coordinates and the patient having an injured back. Corporal Williams was in the area and responded to the location. Further, Madera Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, CHP Helicopter H42, USFS and Sierra Ambulance were called to assist the patient. Upon arrival, SAR Deputy Chambers and SAR Volunteer Burrows provided rescue equipment to affect an immediate hoist extraction of the patient due to a severe spinal injury. The patient was packaged in a rescue air bag and lifted to H42 via hoist. The patient was flown to a local hospital for treatment.

Thank you to our Search and Rescue team for always answering the call and making a difference when it matters most. Your dedication keeps our community safe.

View video here.

Source & photos: Madera County Sheriff's Office