Here are a few words from the many individuals and agencies that we have helped throughout the years.
kasey crockett
firefighter: Longview Fire Dept., longview, wa

"I am extremely grateful for being given the opportunity of attending your Rope Rescue Technician course. Because we are a small department with limited funds and resources, outside training is rarely an option. Being granted this scholarship allowed me the unique opportunity to practice and enhance my skills as a Rope Rescue Technician.
The Peak Rescue course is very unique. Being able to camp in Joshua Tree for a week was amazing. Also, the ratio of instructors to students was unusually high, one instructor to four students. This was extremely beneficial, enabling us students to master a large number of complex skills. The instructors were very knowledgeable and eager to help students succeed. While the days were very long, the training was enjoyable and everyone left with a positive experience. In my 19 years as a professional firefighter, this was by far the best and most memorable training I have attended.
For me, the most beneficial aspect of the course was the use of the MPDs. My department began using the MPD a year ago, though no one had received any formal training on the device. Throughout the course, I was able to get ample time working with the device, and will be able to bring the new knowledge and skills back home to help improve our Technical Rescue team.
This course enhanced my skills and knowledge as a professional rescuer. Furthermore, I will be passing on what I learned, ultimately enhancing our entire Technical Rescue Team. I am eagerly looking forward to attending Peak Rescue's Specialist Course in the future."
The Peak Rescue course is very unique. Being able to camp in Joshua Tree for a week was amazing. Also, the ratio of instructors to students was unusually high, one instructor to four students. This was extremely beneficial, enabling us students to master a large number of complex skills. The instructors were very knowledgeable and eager to help students succeed. While the days were very long, the training was enjoyable and everyone left with a positive experience. In my 19 years as a professional firefighter, this was by far the best and most memorable training I have attended.
For me, the most beneficial aspect of the course was the use of the MPDs. My department began using the MPD a year ago, though no one had received any formal training on the device. Throughout the course, I was able to get ample time working with the device, and will be able to bring the new knowledge and skills back home to help improve our Technical Rescue team.
This course enhanced my skills and knowledge as a professional rescuer. Furthermore, I will be passing on what I learned, ultimately enhancing our entire Technical Rescue Team. I am eagerly looking forward to attending Peak Rescue's Specialist Course in the future."
jayme broadhurst
lifeguard: san diego fd lifeguards, san diego, ca

"I would like to sincerely thank the Peak Rescue Institute team for providing me the opportunity to attend the 2016 Technician training under the Wayne Auer Scholarship.
I can't say enough great things about the quality of training that Peak provides over the seven days at Joshua Tree. All of the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and always showed a genuine desire to teach various concepts of rope rescue to each student. The organization and structure of the course was exceptional. The curriculum provided new techniques as well as an opportunity to refresh methods and techniques currently used by my agency. Without a doubt, I have increased my understanding of rope rescue and have a better awareness level to conduct a safe and efficient rope rescue."
I can't say enough great things about the quality of training that Peak provides over the seven days at Joshua Tree. All of the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and always showed a genuine desire to teach various concepts of rope rescue to each student. The organization and structure of the course was exceptional. The curriculum provided new techniques as well as an opportunity to refresh methods and techniques currently used by my agency. Without a doubt, I have increased my understanding of rope rescue and have a better awareness level to conduct a safe and efficient rope rescue."
chip perry
rescue tech: colchester technical rescue, colchester, vt

"I had the privilege of being a scholarship recipient for the course and I cannot say enough good things about it, the exceptional staff, the overall experience, and the knowledge gained during the 7-day course at Joshua Tree. The course provided the latest tools, the knowledge, and experiences that will allow its graduates to return to our respective agencies and make a significant positive impact on future rescues. It was very clear from day 1 that the staff and leadership of Peak Rescue Institute are some of the most caring, knowledgeable, and experienced people in the business that truly love what they do and have a real passion for teaching.
The course was exceptionally well organized and executed creating a very positive and thorough learning environment. Thank you for an amazing experience."
The course was exceptionally well organized and executed creating a very positive and thorough learning environment. Thank you for an amazing experience."
josh statdler
firefighter / paramedic: snohomish county fd #1, everett, wa

"I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the course as a scholarship applicant. The experience and education that the Peak Technician course provided me during the week of instruction was second to no other fire service type training program that I have attended.
The atmosphere created by the positivity of the instructors and the overall organization of the curriculum for the program was remarkable. I feel like I was able to go home after a great week of instruction and be a more valuable asset not only to my fire department but most importantly to the citizens that I serve."
The atmosphere created by the positivity of the instructors and the overall organization of the curriculum for the program was remarkable. I feel like I was able to go home after a great week of instruction and be a more valuable asset not only to my fire department but most importantly to the citizens that I serve."
amber prestegard
lifeguard: san diego fd lifeguards

"Peak taught me many new skills, techniques and different ways to eventually come to a common outcome. I will use these skills and techniques to help train aspiring seasonal lifeguards to promote. Additionally, I can incorporate this course with other training to catapult my rope knowledge into coming back next year for the specialist class. My goal is to earn a position as a San Diego Lifeguard Cliff Instructor in the future.
The Peak Scholarship afforded me the opportunity to get me closer to obtaining my future aspirations as a Cliff Specialist. Once again, thank you so much for the privilege of this valuable training."
The Peak Scholarship afforded me the opportunity to get me closer to obtaining my future aspirations as a Cliff Specialist. Once again, thank you so much for the privilege of this valuable training."
ashley marino
lifeguard II: san diego fd lifeguards

"The words "thank you" seem too simple to express my gratitude for the scholarship I received . The week out at J-Tree was truly an eye-opening experience. I had been hearing about Peak since my third year working as a seasonal lifeguard in San Diego and now I understand what all the fuss was about.
Peak is the best all-around rope rescue course I have attended! From the staff to the site location to the instruction, I was pleasantly surprised by how well all the moving parts came together to create a welcoming yet challenging learning environment. Although we make a good number of cliff rescues in our agency, I had come to know only a couple of systems for our rescues. Now I feel I have a better foundation and understanding of rope rescue and will be able to better assist with training in our agency.
Again, many thanks to all who worked hard to put this course and scholarship program together. It's clear that your efforts are keeping Wayne's legacy and vision alive and well. Have a great year and I'll hopefully see you next fall for the Specialist course!"
Peak is the best all-around rope rescue course I have attended! From the staff to the site location to the instruction, I was pleasantly surprised by how well all the moving parts came together to create a welcoming yet challenging learning environment. Although we make a good number of cliff rescues in our agency, I had come to know only a couple of systems for our rescues. Now I feel I have a better foundation and understanding of rope rescue and will be able to better assist with training in our agency.
Again, many thanks to all who worked hard to put this course and scholarship program together. It's clear that your efforts are keeping Wayne's legacy and vision alive and well. Have a great year and I'll hopefully see you next fall for the Specialist course!"
PATRICK HANNAN
FIREFIGHTER: HENRICO FIRE TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM, HENRICO CTY, VA

"I really didn’t know what to expect of the class, the instructors, or even the environment we were to live in. I arrived to the desert as green and open-minded as I could be. Now that I can sit back and reflect on those 7 days, I have to say that was the best class, with the best instruction, in the best learning environment I’ve ever attended. Your company is comprised of a bunch of people with years of experience from different facets of the trade, and they’re all so passionate about the subject matter. In addition to that, I can’t even count the amount of times I heard “what can we do to help? We’re here for you.” Your staff truly goes above and beyond normal expectations."
"I can definitely say that without the scholarship program, this experience would not have happened for me. Your organization is top notch starting with the people behind the scenes that provide for it, and ending with the instructors that are out there getting dirty and sweaty with the students daily. "
"I can definitely say that without the scholarship program, this experience would not have happened for me. Your organization is top notch starting with the people behind the scenes that provide for it, and ending with the instructors that are out there getting dirty and sweaty with the students daily. "
dave clark
president, mountain rescue association

"I can tell you that the operation Peak has developed over the years is really impressive. The training itself was challenging and the instructors do an excellent job of combining relevant lectures with lots of hands on team practice. Discussion of various techniques is encouraged but the focus is maintained on Peak’s time tested curriculum. Further, since all of Peak’s instructors are volunteering their time you know they are doing it because they love to teach and to be a part of the Peak experience."
JIMMY BLACK
SAN DIEGO FIRE DEPARTMENT

“This class has it all, great instructors, up to date equipment, state of the art rescue techniques, super location and even great coffee”.
Bill Lundquist
Big Thompson Canyon Fire Department

“I attended Peak Rescue Institute’s Technician course at Joshua Tree National Park in 2004. The low ratio of students to instructors and the logical progression of the course, made it a great learning experience. The varied backgrounds of the instructors gave many new insights into the art and science of rope rescue. The camaraderie of camp life was a bonus. I plan to go back for the Specialist class.”
Amy Horst
Beverly Hills Fire Department

“I can’t say enough — PRI did an outstanding job! I really enjoyed the team-based scenarios.”
Richard Wells
USMC Special Operations Training Group - Assault Climbers

“The course was excellent in terms of bringing our team together. I believe it has developed our team to a higher level.”
Steve Orlowski
San Diego Lifeguards

“After going through the Peak Rescue course I was very impressed with the attitudes of the instructors as well as the course content. The material was very very useful in my job as a lifeguard performing four rescues this past year on our coastal cliffs and bluffs. The material taught was updated to the newest of safety standards and it was very refreshing to get out into the “real world of vertical rescue” and away from the fire simulator and training towers. Hopefully, this course will be around in the years to come and that the information continues to grow, because I will definitely be back.”
Agencies Who Have Trained With Peak Rescue
CALIFORNIA
Beverly Hills Fire Dept. Cal Fire/So. Kern SAR Camp Pendelton Fire Dept. Heartland Fire Dept. Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Miramar Fire Dept. San Diego Fire Dept. San Diego Lifeguard Service San Diego Mountain Rescue Sonoma County Sheriff Dept. COLORADO Big Thompson Canyon Vol. Fire Dept. Loveland Fire Dept. Mountain Rescue Aspen FLORIDA Winter Garden Police Dept. HAWAII Maui Fire Dept. IDAHO Boise Fire Dept. Magic Valley Idaho Paramedics Sandpoint Fire Dept. MAINE Camden Fire Dept. Mount Desert Island SAR Portland Fire Dept. Sterling Rope, Biddeford |
MASSACHUSETTS
Mass. USAR TF-1 MINNESOTA City of Virginia Fire Dept. MONTANA Red Lodge Fire Dept. NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire Fish & Game Pemigewasset Search & Rescue NEW JERSEY Montclair Ambulance New Jersey Search & Rescue NEW YORK Belleayre Mountain Ski Patrol FDNY Fire Department of New York Ft. Montgomery Fire Dept. New York Search & Rescue Salisbury Mills Fire Dept. NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte Fire Dept. OREGON Douglas County Fire District #2 & #3 Jackson Co. Fire Dist. #3 & #5 Klamath Fals Fire Dist. #1 Mountain Home Fire Dept. Portland Mountain Rescue Sutherlin Fire Dept. Sweet Home Fire Dept. |
TENNESSEE
Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad Oak Ridge Fire Dept. TEXAS Bastrop Vol. Fire Dept. VERMONT Burlington Fire Dept. Colchester Technical Rescue Stowe Mountain Rescue Vermont USAR TF-1 Williston Fire Dept. VIRGINIA Henrico County Div. of Fire WASHINGTON Bellingham Fire Dept. Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council E. Olympia Fire Dept. Kirkland Fire Dept. Lacey Fire District #3 Longview Fire Dept. McLane Fire Dept. Monroe Fire Dept. Northwest Ambulance CC Transport Olympia Fire Dept. Shoreline Fire Dept. Snohomish County Fire District #1 Tumwater Fire Dept. MILITARY United States Marine Corps SOTG |