After five years and $7 million, Summit County Rescue Group has a new home to call its own.
“This facility represents years of planning, dedication, and community support,” Ben Butler of the rescue group said in a statement. “It’s more than just a building—it’s a hub for training, coordination and lifesaving operations that will benefit Summit County for decades to come.”
The rescue group cuts the ribbon on its new headquarters in Frisco tomorrow. It opens with much-needed gear storage and indoor training space, including a custom rock wall for high-angle rescues.
The grand opening comes as the rescue group and its volunteers are busier than ever, responding to an average of 200 calls per year. Call load spiked in the late 2010s and early 2020s before settling into a “new normal,” although call load last year fell slightly to 184. Sometimes, the group can spend upwards of 12 hours in the field, like an overnight mission above 14,000 feet on Quandary Peak earlier this summer.
“Summit County Rescue Group is truly world-class when it comes to saving lives and preventing tragedy in the backcountry,” Summit sheriff Jaime FitzSimons said. “I am grateful for their partnership every day. This long-overdue facility will finally give them the space to plan, train, and maintain critical equipment, increasing safety for generations of outdoor enthusiasts.”
Summit County government footed most of the bill, but not all of it. This project was funded in part by a $500,000 grant secured by U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, plus donations from 2,300 private donors.
The grand opening is Friday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. at the county commons shopyard in Frisco. All are welcome.