RESCUERS GET LITTLE PRAISE WORK IS DEMANDING, DANGEROUS FOR TEAM.

Byline: Amy Raisin Darvish Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - They've been called away from Thanksgiving dinner and have missed their children's birthdays, but the men and women who volunteer for Santa Clarita's search and rescue unit understand that lives may depend on their dedication.

Based at the Santa Clarita sheriff's station, the Santa Clarita Valley Search and Rescue Team is made up of 16 reserve deputies and civilian volunteers - a scientist, a TV cameraman, an electrician and others - trained to respond to medical emergencies and survive extended periods in the wilderness.

When someone has failed to return from a hike or has wandered off and may be lost in rugged terrain, the search and rescue team is summoned to help locate the missing. Spending nights in the wilderness or rappelling out of a helicopter may sound adventurous, but the job demands much more.

``Generally, the people that come into rescue have a basic interest and understanding of outdoor skills, hiking (and) climbing,'' said Steve Sammartano, 48, captain of the SCV Search and Rescue Team. ``But it's not just a bunch of guys that walk in and say I want to do this. It's a huge commitment.''

Last month, Sammartano and another search and rescuer spent the night in a steep canyon near Templin Highway and the Golden State Freeway, where a man wearing only a shirt, cut-off sweat pants and socks became stranded in a remote area that was difficult to access.

After rappelling down steep canyon walls after midnight - each loaded with about 60 pounds of gear - the pair decided they could not help the injured man out before dawn. They stayed with the man through the night until favorable weather enabled a helicopter rescue after dawn.

The Santa Clarita Valley team is one of eight in Los Angeles County trained to respond 24 hours a day, despite team members' demanding day jobs and family responsibilities.

Sgt. Steve Jenkins of the Santa Clarita sheriff's station, who oversees the team, said people who volunteer for such demanding work are highly skilled and are often humble as well.

``These are not a bunch of flashy people,'' Jenkins said. ``They don't get a lot of attention. They come from all different backgrounds, but they all do it because they want to contribute something, they want to help.''

Members must first endure a six-month training course at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy before earning certification from the Mountain Rescue Association, a process that can take as long as two years.

``Most of the (trainees) have done some rappelling before, but not out of a helicopter,'' said Sammartano, a Saugus husband and father of three. ``Once you're standing in the cargo door of a helicopter, staring into the eyes of the crew chief and he gives you the nod to go, you realize this is nothing like you thought it would be.''

Amy Raisin Darvish, [phone]

amy.raisin(at)dailynews.com