Coconino County Sheriff’s Officials Were Kept Busy During The Thanksgiving Weekend

During the recent Thanksgiving holiday weekend, many residents, travelers and visitors were unprepared to deal with the extent of the winter storm that hit Northern Arizona. Coconino County Sheriff’s officials say they responded to over four times the number of public assist calls and there was a significant increase in the number of rescues during the weekend, as compared to the previous weekend. Responses ranged from minor slide offs to significant rescues were people were stranded in remote areas in deep snow or without basic amenities of heat, shelter, food and water. Deputies responded to 238 calls between November 28th through December 2nd, compared to 55 calls from November 21st through November 25th. Deputies also coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service, Arizona Game and Fish, DPS Air Rescue and Coconino County Emergency Management to respond to emergency situations.