TCSAR Enters 2026 With New Team Leadership

For only the third time since its inception in 1993, Teton County Search & Rescue has a new Chief Advisor. On January 1, Anthony Stevens took over as Chief Advisor, replacing Cody Lockhart who stepped down after serving in the role for eight years. Previous to Lockhart, Tim Ciocarlan was chief for 24 years. The team’s original commander was Alan Merrell, who helped assemble the first team in 1993 with then Sheriff Roger Millward.

Cody Lockhart served as TCSAR’s Chief Advisor for eight years. Photo: Joey Sackett

Incoming Chief Advisor Anthony Stevens has been a TCSAR volunteer since 2015. Photo: David Bowers

The position of Chief Advisor is one of six advisors that provide team leadership for TCSAR. Each position is elected by the rest of the 43 volunteers currently serving. Collectively, the group of six is known as the Board of Advisors (BOA). The BOA is the first to be paged by Dispatch after an emergency call. The advisors then determine how the team responds to backcountry incidents. The BOA and volunteers serve under the jurisdiction of the Teton County Sheriff Matt Carr.

The current Board of Advisors is as follows:

Chief Advisor: Anthony Stevens, volunteer since 2015. Stevens previously served as the team’s training advisor since 2017.

Membership Advisor: Robb Sgroi, volunteer since 2004.

Planning Advisor: Alex Norton, volunteer since 2007.

Logistics Advisor: KC Bess, volunteer since 2015.

Medical Advisor: Dr. Tobin Dennis, volunteer since 2021.

Training Advisor: Ian Johnston, volunteer since 2021.

As Lockhart exits his role as Chief Advisor, the team and Foundation offer its sincere gratitude for his unwavering commitment to serve the Jackson Hole community. 

Under his leadership, TCSAR continued to meet the moment, as he steered the volunteers to respond to ever higher call volumes with professionalism and compassion. 

Photo: David Bowers

During his tenure, in 2023, the team secured a year-round rescue helicopter, the first of its kind in the state of Wyoming and which has become a game-changer in mountain rescue across the region.. This past fall, he led TCSAR as the organization hosted the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR), a conference that brought 600 alpine rescuers from more than 25 countries to Jackson for an entire week. Born and raised in a cattle-ranching family in Jackson, Lockhart believed in sharing the valley’s Western roots with ICAR’s international visitors. Part of making that happen was hosting a free rodeo during ICAR at the Teton County Fairgrounds, where more than 3,000 people showed up.

Beyond the headlines, Lockhart demonstrated a consistency that placed the team above the individual. Throughout his time as Chief Advisor, he led with humility, redirecting attention to the people beside him.

For 2026, Stevens steers a ship that will see 10 new volunteers become operational members, joining the other 33 members. As the founder of Wounded Bear Medicine and the team’s previous training advisor, Stevens brings vast knowledge of wilderness medicine and mountain rescue to the role. Stevens is a lifelong Jackson resident, and he and his wife have three children.

TCSAR Rescues Injured Snowmobiler Deep in Togwotee Backcountry

At 11:40 a.m. on Friday, January 2, Teton County Dispatch received a Garmin SOS activation from the Togwotee Pass area. The emergency concerned a 42-year-old snowmobiler who had sustained a significant leg injury after crashing on his machine.

Teton County Search & Rescue mobilized a response that included teams in the helicopter and on snowmobiles. The helicopter team, consisting of the pilot and four SAR volunteers, was able to locate the party and land near the patient. Volunteers assessed his condition and packaged him for internal transport. Three volunteers stayed behind in the field while the pilot and one SAR member flew the patient to a waiting ambulance from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS near Togwotee Mountain Lodge.

Due to weather, the helicopter was unable to return to pick up the members in the field. Instead, TCSAR’s snowmobile team motored out to their teammates and brought them out of the backcountry, a 22-mile roundtrip. Then, they all drove back to SAR HQ in Jackson.

All teams were out of the field by 6 p.m., completing the mission in 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Meet the New TCSAR Volunteers

Teton County Search & Rescue’s Class of 2025

All portraits by Morris Weintraub.

Jackson, Wyo. — Teton County Search & Rescue is excited to introduce the 10 new volunteers who were brought onto the team in 2025. Being a TCSAR volunteer is an enormous commitment, and these 10 volunteers embody the spirit of community service and teamwork that help make TCSAR what it is.

The new volunteers are: Tommy Basore, Gretchen Cherry, Matt Chorney, Doug Cook, Oliver Dev, Thomas Ferguson, Bria Gillespie, Joe Grout, Kaeli McClenahan, Sam Wasserman.

“These new volunteers represent the next generation of TCSAR: strong, humble, and dedicated,” said TCSAR Chief Advisor Cody Lockhart. “Their arrival reminds me that leadership in this organization has always been less about individuals and more about stewardship—passing on knowledge, values, and trust to those who will carry the mission forward.”

Please join us in welcoming them to the TCSAR family.

TOMMY BASORE

Occupation: Respiratory Therapist

Hometown: Prairie Village, Kansas

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Light and fast… or slow and steady?
Light and slow

What’s your desert island meal? Chicken stir-fry

Tell us you like to be in the mountains without telling us you like to be in the mountains: Kansas was great, but I traded BBQ for bootpacks and haven’t looked back.

What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time that doesn’t involve the outdoors? I love making meals from scratch and baking fresh bread. It’s meditative and delicious.

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? There’s no better feeling than helping someone and being able to provide comfort in a moment of need. I’m also drawn to the camaraderie within TCSAR , it’s an incredible team and community to be part of.

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? After spending my whole life burning vacation days and paychecks just to get to the mountains, my wife and I finally decided it was time to stop visiting and start living. She took the lead and began exploring mountain town job opportunities. After a long search, we landed something solid and made the move with our family. It was a leap but the right one.

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? A solid stash of Haribo gummy bears, headlamp, and jacket. Everything else is negotiable.

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? My wife, Alex, she’s been a rock-solid partner for more Type II fun than I can count. My friend Max, he’s been saying yes to questionable adventures with me since we were kids. And my brother-in-law, Ben, a surprisingly solid inherited adventure buddy. While the Tetons are the obvious answer, I’d take them all back to Arkansas to float the Buffalo River or climb at Sam’s Throne, the place I cut my teeth on rock.

GRETCHEN CHERRY

Occupation: Director of Development at Slow Food in the Tetons

Hometown: Originally from Georgia, but I came out to work in Grand Teton National Park in college and never looked back.

Coffee… or tea? Combo, Dirty Chai

Light and fast… or slow and steady? Light and fast. I’d rather keep moving than stop to overthink it.

What’s your desert island meal? Fresh bread, good cheese, and something from the garden: simple and perfect.

Tell us you like to be in the mountains without telling us you like to be in the mountains? My closet is basically running shoes, bike gear, and skis. The mountains pick my outfit more than I do.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors? Baking treats for friends: banana bread, cookies, anything that makes the house smell good.

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? This community has given me so much.  Volunteering is my way of giving back, and being there when someone else needs it.

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? That first summer working in GTNP. The mountains and the people hooked me right away.

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? Snacks. Always snacks.

If you could invite any three people to hike/ski/ride/paddle/climb with you, who are they and where are you going? My girlfriends, hands down. Doesn't matter if it's skis, bikes or boots- it's always a good day with them.

MATT CHORNEY

Occupation: Innovation at Momentous 

Hometown: Bristol, New Hampshire

Coffee… or tea? Coffee from Dunkin' Donuts 

Light and fast… or slow and steady? Light and fast

What’s your desert island meal? A Deluxe Italian Sub from Bob's Italian Foods in Medford, Mass.

Tell us you like to be in the mountains without telling us you like to be in the mountains? I own 12+ pairs of skis and lots and lots of running shoes.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors? Cooking and hanging out with my dog, Oso.

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? The opportunity to show up and help people who are in need. TCSAR is a team of highly motivated, skilled, and dedicated individuals that I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of. 

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? My parents met at the Shady Lady Saloon in the early ‘80s and I grew up visiting Jackson frequently. The community and endless outdoor adventures make it a very special place to live.  

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? Instant coffee, headlamp, and beef jerky.

If you could invite any three people on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? Steve Prefontaine, my dad, and big brother and we’re going to run the Teton Crest Trail. 

DOUG COOK

Occupation: Semi-retired professional ski bum

Hometown: Marion, Mass., in Jackson since 1998

Coffee… or tea? Definitely coffee. I should probably drink less!

Light and fast… or slow and steady? I used to be light and fast, but trending more slow-ish and mostly steady. I'd like to think I'm taking in the views more, but...

What’s your desert island meal? My grandmother's cranberry-raisin pie.

Tell us you like to be in the mountains without telling us you like to be in the mountains?

In September 2024 I experienced a medical scare that had me questioning my mortality. Not knowing the outcome of my condition, I started to prioritize what mattered most. Of course, I thought of my wife and family, but my mind also went to my bike, my skis, my trail running shoes, and crisp mountain air. Fortunately, tests revealed nothing more than a scare. But I look back now and find it funny how a bit of "doomsday" self-reflection revealed how important the outdoors are to me.    

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? I was on TCSAR in the early 2000's, but stepped back after getting too busy at work. But I vowed if I ever had the chance to serve again properly, I'd jump at the opportunity. I have a bit more free time these days and the team was gracious enough to have me back.  

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors?  Playing with our puppy, Fenway. Although she usually drags my wife and me outside to play.

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? Forever living in Jackson became a reality when I was lottery-drawn on a home with the Community Housing Trust. Up until this point, it was 7-plus jobs, little sleep, and no savings.  The phone call from the Trust was a game-changer. I wouldn't be a member of Teton County Search & Rescue without them!

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what?  A charged cell phone, my lightweight puffy, basic first aid, some form of fire, a lightweight tarp.  And probably a Clif Bar or two.

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going?  My "dream adventure people” are: 1. Doug Coombs. I only got to mountain bike with him, so this time around we'd ski a steep couloir somewhere in the Tetons.  2. Chris Onufer. I'd love to ski Corbet's one more time with him, the worse the conditions the better. He was such a great ski companion and made any snow condition fun. He loved an icy, wind-scoured challenge and his enthusiasm for such was contagious! 3. Travis Ziehl. I'd love to get on the river with him again. As he'd say, "The worst day on the Snake River is still a pretty damn great day."

OLIVER DEV

Occupation: Mental Health Counselor/Guide

Hometown: Olympia, Wash.

Coffee… or tea? Tea

Light and fast… or slow and steady? Light and fast.

What’s your desert island meal? Hot wings.

Tell me you like to be in the mountains without telling me you like to be in the mountains? It's more fun than bobbing around in the ocean.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors? Creative endeavors like woodwork projects around the house, cooking, etc. Anything that channels creativity.

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? I’ve always been driven to help people in some capacity. TCSAR allows me to combine all the skills I’ve learned living in the Tetons into something that can benefit the people of this community. I’ve also been so incredibly impressed by this team. It’s not just the type of work that is done by the team, but the type of people that perform the work. To be part of a team like this is such a massive honor.

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? The decision to stay came after a period of inner reflection and gratitude practice helped me recognize that some of the most important people in my life (friends, mentors, etc.) live here. I often tell people that I moved to the Tetons for the mountains but stayed for the people. This community is everything.

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? I'm a big fan of this Montane softshell jacket I got for free. If I'm not wearing it, it's in my pack for pretty much any and every adventure I go on, year-round.

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? It's tough to pick just three but I'd say my friends Evan, Chase, and Corry. It'd probably be some expedition-style trip that required a lot of planning and endurance (Evan), someone to take stellar photos and bring endless stoke (Chase), and someone who brings immaculate energy and is incredibly adaptable no matter where you put him (Corry). The dream trip would be riding motorcycles around the Indian Himalayas and tagging some peaks along the way.

THOMAS FERGUSON

Occupation: Climate Stuff at Blue Bear Capital 

Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.

Coffee… or tea? Espresso shots by the half dozen

Light and fast… or slow and steady? Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

What’s your desert island meal? I once sent an email to the scientist who invented Nerds Clusters thanking him for his caloric contribution to my life. 

Tell me you like to be in the mountains without telling me you like to be in the mountains? I am writing this from the ridge on Mount Taylor in late October, my feet sopping wet from postholing in knee deep snow, with a big smile on my face.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors Hosting elaborate meals or creative gatherings for my community. I write my own murder mystery parties and put on the occasional amateur short film festival. 

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? The mountains are full of infinite joy and perspective. I want to be a steward of the spaces that have given me so much and the community that has had my back. 

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? One fall night I was listening to the elk bugle up at Lupine Meadows with a group of students as the sun set over the Tetons, and 20 of us all collectively gasped as the Grand got lit up with that golden glow. I knew I had to give it a shot. 

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? Nerds clusters. 

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? Easy. I'd invite the guy who invented nerds clusters, my 6-month-old nephew, and my good buddy, Beppe. We'd probably have a hoot on a sail-to-ski trip exploring Alaska!

BRIA GILLESPIE

Occupation: Physician Assistant

Hometown: Ketchum, Idaho

Coffee… or tea? I love a couple shots of espresso and a hot cup of tea equally.

Light and fast… or slow and steady? Slow and steady (but not that slow)

What’s your desert island meal? Burritos!

Tell us you like to be in the mountains without telling us you like to be in the mountains? In the last 10+ years I can’t think of a single vacation that wasn’t centered around climbing, mountain biking, trail running or backcountry skiing.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors Reading, yoga, podcasts, cooking.

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? I want to be a TCSAR volunteer to give back to this community. I know how incredible and life-affirming spending time in the mountains can be. It’s what draws so many of us to communities like Jackson and Teton Valley. I also know how mercurial the mountains can be and how quickly things can change; in an instant a perfect day can turn into the worst day of your life. I want to be there for people on those worst days, to help them get home safely in the same way others have been there for my friends and loved ones when they have had accidents in the mountains.

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? I don’t think there was a single moment when I knew that I wanted to try and make a life here; it has felt more like an endless series of moments and experiences that make me fall in love with the Tetons all over again. It’s watching the sunrise up high after an alpine start, the huge smiles after riding some beautiful line in the park, the miles and miles of trails that take you to the most incredible places, the amazing people I get to play and work with. A million reasons and little reminders of why this place is so special.

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? A borderline ridiculous number of snacks.

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? Julien ‘Pica’ Herry, Vivian Bruchez, and my partner, Andrew. We’re riding/skiing insanely aesthetic, steep, splitter lines in some remote, beautiful place I’ve never heard of.

JOE GROUT

Occupation: In winter, Ski Patroller at JHMR; in summer, Ranger for the BTNF, Jackson Ranger District

Hometown: Plainfield, New Hampshire

Coffee… or tea? Tea

Light and fast… or slow and steady Depends on the objective

What’s your desert island meal? Frozen raspberries

Tell us you like to be in the mountains without telling us you like to be in the mountains? I have an aggressive watch tan.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors? Working on my motorcycles.

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? I have always been drawn to helping those in need and partaking in challenging rescue scenarios. Getting the opportunity to do this in a place I care so deeply about, and with this team, was a no-brainer.

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? I went on a cross-country motorcycle trip during the summer of 2020, and this is the only place I couldn't stop thinking about. 

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? Supplies and a med kit enough to spend the night out, and a visor.

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? Doug Coombs, Clint Eastwood, and my grandfather. We are headed into the Alaska Range to climb and ski.

KAELI McCLENAHAN

Occupation: Superintendent in Custom Homebuilding

Hometown: Orlando, Fla.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Light and fast… or slow and steady? Light and fast

What’s your desert island meal? Al pastor burrito

Tell us you like to be in the mountains without telling us you like to be in the mountains? My legs are always covered in scratches and I've learned how to talk with the squeaky locals (pikas).

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors? I enjoy card games with friends and reading. 

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? I wanted a way to be involved in the community and feel passionate about recreating outside. Becoming a TCSAR volunteer felt like an incredible opportunity to do both at the same time. 

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? I knew I would try to make life in Jackson work when it was the only place I wanted to come back to after living overseas for a year.  

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? Sour gummy worms.

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? I'd love to go summit Mount Kenya with my dad when he was younger, and my two siblings. We've heard stories about his adventures when he lived in Kenya, and I would love seeing him in that setting. 

SAM WASSERMAN

Occupation: Firefighter/EMT

Hometown: Milton, Mass.

Coffee… or tea? Coffee 

Light and fast… or slow and steady? Light and slow?

What’s your desert island meal? A perfectly crispy chicken parm atop butter-tossed linguine paired with a side of tomato, basil, mozzarella bruschetta drizzled with balsamic. 

Tell me you like to be in the mountains without telling me you like to be in the mountains? My wife says I spend too much time looking at maps.

What is something you enjoy doing in your free time that does not involve the outdoors? Morning coffee with my dogs on the couch.

Why do you want to be a TCSAR volunteer? To be surrounded by high caliber people who are united by an altruistic mission. 

Can you share a moment when you knew you were going to try to make a life in the Jackson Hole area? I can’t speak to an exact moment, but for me it was the realization that I’m lazy when it comes to going outside. Nowhere else can I have the ease of access to the various outdoor activities that fill my life. 

What’s in your pack, every single time, no matter what? Hand warmers. I refuse to have frozen fingers. 

If you could invite any three people to go on an adventure with you, who are they and where are you going? The three people I’m inviting are Steve Irwin, Bear Grylls, and Tom Brown Jr., and we’re going on an elk hunt in the Thorofare of the Teton Wilderness.