HILL AIR FORCE BASE — U.S. Forest Service representatives visited Hill AFB on Oct. 26 to bestow recognition on military working-dog handlers from the 75th Security Forces Squadron.

The Airmen were conducting joint service training with Forest Service personnel last September in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest outside of Kamas, when Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Darren Schiedel was notified of a medical emergency in the forest.

The emergency involved a victim with a broken hip and ankle stranded several miles up a trail. After offering to assist, the Airmen and Schiedel set out on an arduous two-hour hike carrying packs, a litter and other rescue equipment. They located the victim at an elevation above 7,500 feet.

While Schiedel assessed the victim, the Airmen coordinated with a medical helicopter, found a suitable landing zone, and assisted with the landing. Upon landing, the Airmen escorted flight paramedics down a trail to the victim.

After an evaluation by the paramedics, the victim was placed on a litter, which the Airmen assisted in transporting via an extremely narrow path with steep drop-offs to the awaiting helicopter.

The Airmen are Tech. Sgt. Eric Magnuson and Staff Sgts. Cody Kassebaum, Dustin Cain, Matt McCarty, Christopher Keilman, Tyler Schlittler, Dustin Braddy and Chad Bunda.

In the letter of recognition, the Forest Service thanked the 75th SFS Airmen for their demonstration and embodiment of the Air Force Core Values, and noted that the rescue effort would have been much more challenging and time consuming without their help.