WCRS Search and Rescue (SAR) Team

Watauga Rescue is a Paramedic-level service in Watauga County, NC.  Our Mountain Rescue Team is certified by the State of North Carolina in High-Angle Rescue and Heavy Rescue, and provides services in SAR, backcountry rescue, and swift water rescue.  We are the primary rescue service for Watauga County, which is a popular location for outdoor recreation, including climbing, whitewater rafting, backpacking, and skiing, and is home to Elk Mountain State Park, Grandfather Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We also provide aid to surrounding areas, including locations such as the Linville Gorge, Pisgah National Forest, and Grandfather Mountain State Park.  Our clientele include outdoor enthusiasts and tourists.  We operate 24/7, with an average call volume of 550 calls per year. ​

​SAR TEAM MEMBERS (updated 12/01/2022)
Michael Vollmer, Paramedic (Team Lead)
Steve LaPointe, Paramedic 
Gary Harmon, Paramedic 
Kyle Hassler, EMT
Kalista Nedoff, Paramedic 
Russ Hiatt, EMT
David Byrd, Paramedic 
George Durfor, Paramedic 
Nate McCoy, Paramedic 
Matt Walker, Paramedic 
Adam Lentz, EMT
Jacob Burleson, EMT
Bill Moore, EMT
Chip Norwood, EMT
Randall Townsend, EMT