Nevada County, CA, USA - June 7, 2024

In a heartening display of collaboration and swift action, multiple agencies joined forces on Friday, June 7th, to successfully recover a 3-year-old child who was the subject of an Amber Alert. Spearheaded by the Nevada County Sheriff's Department, the operation unfolded in the rugged terrain east of Edwards' Crossing Bridge in the Yuba River Canyon.

The child had been abducted by their mother following an assault on the child's father, prompting a frantic search and rescue effort. Cal OES FIRIS 12, who happened to be in the area for a fire-related operation, played a crucial role in locating the mother and child. Maintaining surveillance until Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel arrived, FIRIS 12 ensured the safety of the child until further assistance could be provided.

Once Nevada County SAR personnel reached the location and secured the child, the CHP helicopter H-20 was called in for extraction. Operating with precision and care, the crew of H-20 executed a low-hover maneuver, facilitating the safe transfer of the child from the ground to the helicopter.

Upon reaching the Diamond Arrow LZ, the child received medical attention, snacks, and a comforting array of police and fire stickers before being joyfully reunited with their father.