SSSAR facility named in honor of past chief Gerry Connell

SEELEY LAKE – Members of the community and visitors came out for the Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue Open House to check out the facility, meet the volunteers and enjoy lunch. At the dedication, Assistant Chief Joe Miller named the building the "Gerry Connell Search and Rescue Building" in recognition for Connell's more than 30 years of dedicated service, leadership and effective organization that has made SSSAR what it is today.

Connell helped establish the SSSAR unit after it separated from Missoula County Search and Rescue. He served as chief of the Seeley-Swan unit from 1981 – 2017.

Miller said Connell provided the vision of the search and rescue building and set up a funding plan with Missoula County over many years to provide the capital to build the facility. He helped the unit acquire the equipment needed to effectively, efficiently and safely conduct search and rescue operations and ensured equipment was maintained. He has also been willing to drop what he was doing to lead search and rescue calls and efforts.

"He has done all of this as a volunteer," said Miller. "Thousands of hours of service he has contributed to this community has largely gone unnoticed. To recognize that and show Gerry our appreciation for the work he has done in support of search and rescue, we are pleased to name this facility in his honor."

Connell, who was completely surprised by the recognition, was able to muster a few words when those in attendance asked for a speech.

"The last 30 some years have been sometimes trying but mostly rewarding getting to work with a fine bunch of people, starting with the commissioners, down to the Sheriff and the deputies, right down to our volunteers," said Connell. "It has always been a pleasure and I'm glad to do it."

Miller said SSSAR currently has 20 members with three Sheriff's Office Deputies. They meet monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Gerry Connell Search & Rescue Facility,130 Shop Road near the Seeley Lake Airport, offer training on the various search techniques and equipment and offer their expertise at community events. In 2018 they volunteered more than 550 hours in search and rescue efforts, training and support of community activities.

"If serving the community in this fashion is of interest to you, we welcome any and all new members," said Miller.

Current SSSAR Chief Tim Hoag thanked all the volunteers for their service and dedication as well as the community for coming out.