Volunteer Day

Above and beyond…exactly what we’ve come to expect from our Shelly Fisher. You know her as your trusted and knowledgeable Settlement Officer who answers every call and question with an ear-to-ear smile. Did you know she is also a volunteer with Placer County Search and Rescue (SAR)? Shelly’s interest in volunteering with SAR began in college after watching her older siblings volunteer. She nearly completed a two year certification when her life turned an exciting corner toward marriage and motherhood. Now that her girls have grown, her enthusiasm for SAR has been reignited saying she “wanted to give back to the county, get back to my mountain roots and re-join.” Shelly is now, proudly, a certified Type 2 Ground Searcher and participated in her first search just this month. 

On July 22, 2024, 70-year old Warren Elliott went missing in the Rubicon area near Tahoe. This search incorporated all teams of the Placer County SAR unit (Ground, Motorcycle, 4×4, Dogs, Type 1, High Mountain, etc.) but it was also multi-county. Shelly shared that “it was amazing to see how far search teams from counties all over California came from in order to aid in the rescue. Even the National Guard answered the call, in order to helicopter in all the searchers…This was my very first helicopter ride and what an experience, along with such a positive and team oriented atmosphere with one goal in mind, to help locate clues and/or Warren Elliott.” We are pleased to report Warren was reunited with his family after going missing for six days.

Click here to watch and read the ABC News story.

Shelly continued, “After working for many years at a desk job, I love how much I’m learning and the trainings allow me to be outdoors in new areas and back out into this beautiful county God has created for us all to enjoy. I am now First Aid/CPR certified, Man-tracking aware and have enhanced my survival and wilderness skills. I can even tie a Figure-8 on a Bight, as well as a Bowline with a Yosemite Finish.”

For years Shelly has worked in the Reverse Mortgage industry, lead by example and has strived to help every person to be greatest of her abilities. It is inspiring to watch her expand this approach to her community.

A special thank you to all the Search and Rescue teams and volunteers.