This morning brought the sad news of the passing of Scott Johnston, 30 of Redlands. Johnson was one of five people in a vehicle responding to Joshua Tree National Monument to continue the search for a missing hiker. The five were in a county Suburban and were hit head on by a Ford Ranger that crossed the center line.

The tragedy is a somber reminder to those who have dedicated a part of their lives to this wonderful pursuit just how dangerous it is. Even the most careful of responders counts on a great deal of good fortune in making it home each time they are called to serve. In the brief time that I too was a part of this wonderful line of service I can count many times were the safety margin was razor thin and perseverance and good fortune have more to do with the outcome than wide safety factors that all would like to claim.

I don't mean to say anyone in this pursuit is careless. Far from it every person I have had the pleasure of working with in fire, medical and search & rescue, has been the consummate professional and watchful for every possible place to increase safety. When duty calls and lives are on the line, however, the immediate outcome becomes a far more powerful force than anyone who hasn't been there can possibly imagine.

Godspeed Scott Johnson thank you for your sacrifice. To the Johnson family we send our thoughts in your time of grief. There are not words enough to express the gratitude of the many who have been helped by Scott.