Rescue group has new captain

Head of Montrose team to focus on funding, recruiting.

By Janine Marnien
News-Press

January 6 2003

MONTROSE -- With a new year comes new leadership for the Montrose Search and Rescue Team, as Capt. Jay Paneno takes the helm of the organization.

Paneno is a 15-year veteran of the team, initially getting involved as a way to give back to his community.

"It's a very exciting and rewarding feeling, saving someone's life," he said. "A person can give back to the community and their country without really having to leave their county or neighborhoods."

As the new captain, Paneno plans to focus on raising funds for the team. The organization operates entirely on donations, and is hoping to raise enough this year to outfit seven new team members, purchase two computers and pay for technical and electrical repairs for its command post.

Paneno estimates the total cost would be about $24,000, and plans to hold a spring fund-raiser to help offset the cost. The team will host a speaker program, where information on mountain climbing will be given. A silent auction will also be held.

A second recruitment drive is also on the agenda to boost the numbers of the 22-man team.

"Even if we get about 20 applicants, we might only end up with three or four new members," he said. "The lifestyle of the rescue team takes up a lot of time, and not many people have that time."

His peers elected Paneno to his new post after he underwent an application and screening process. It's a position he has been groomed for during the past couple of years, team member Mike Leum said.

"He's definitely ready and he's going to do a great job," he said. "Probably the best two words that describe Jay are 'endless energy,' and he has apparently unlimited enthusiasm to boot."