The new SAR Coordinator is no stranger to organizing, solving problems, and putting smiles on people's faces. Mike Estes, who is part of TCSAR's original 1993 Class of Volunteers, has been hired to be the SAR Coordinator for the Teton County Sheriff's Office. In his role, Estes acts as the official liaison between the Sheriff's Office and TCSAR.

The Foundation is excited to see Estes in his new role, starting on March 29, and we can't wait to welcome him to his new office at the TCSAR hangar. Estes comes to the SAR Coordinator position after working for the county for more than two decades, most recently as coordinator for the heavily used stretch of Snake River between the Wilson and South Park boat ramps.

As Estes takes on his new role, the Foundation, team, and Sheriff’s office would like to thank Jess King for her seven years of fantastic work progressing TCSAR and our partnerships. King decided to take some time to travel and be closer to family. Her last day was March 1. We would also like to thank Anthony Stevens for serving as the interim Coordinator for the past month. Stevens is handing the Coordinator reins to Estes but isn’t going anywhere; he will remain a volunteer and our Training Advisor.

This transition presented an opportunity for the team to evaluate the roles of the TCSAR Coordinator and Board of Advisors in leading our team of volunteers. The conclusion of that evaluation were some changes to the TCSAR Coordinator role that are important to share.

• Estes’ primary role is to support the TCSAR Board of Advisors in ensuring the team is rescue ready at all times. He will lead record keeping and organization, ensure gear maintenance, and facilitate training. He is an employee of the Sheriff, but takes the majority of his direction from Chief Advisor Cody Lockhart and the Board of Advisors.

• On missions, Estes will no longer be in command or in the field. He will continue to provide mission support as needed. Moving forward, please direct questions or concerns about the details of specific operations to Lockhart.

• The TCSAR Board of Advisors now supervises the volunteers, not the SAR Coordinator. Please direct any questions or concerns about a specific team member to the Membership Advisor, who is currently KC Bess.

• Otherwise, Estes will coordinate communications between TCSAR and various partners. When in doubt, call Estes first with your question, request, or concern. He will handle what he can, and distribute the rest to the appropriate Advisor or team member. Our goal is to get you what you need faster.

To reach SAR Coordinator Mike Estes:
(307) 732-8337, mestes@tetonsheriff.org