Donate | Lakes Area Rescue

Donations can be made below online with Paypal or can be mailed to:

Lakes Area Rescue
PO Box 13
Merrifield, MN 56465

Receipts will be mailed for all donations. Thank you for your support!

Join Us in Our Mission for 2025

Lakes Area Rescue is dedicated to enhancing and expanding its services to meet the growing needs of the Brainerd Lakes Area. With the remarkable population and visitor growth in Crow Wing County and Cass County, the demand for a comprehensive Search and Rescue (SAR) team has never been higher. Our goal is to provide unparalleled emergency care to our community.

2025 Fundraising Focus: Adding a Sherp to Our Fleet

This year, we are embarking on an exciting new initiative to acquire a Sherp, a versatile amphibious vehicle designed to tackle the most challenging terrains. The Sherp will significantly enhance our Wildland Search and Rescue and Water/Ice Rescue capabilities, enabling us to reach and assist those in need in even the most remote and difficult-to-access areas.

Why the Sherp?

The SHERP is renowned for its unparalleled performance in extreme conditions, making it an invaluable tool for search and rescue missions.

Key Benefits:

Unmatched All-Terrain Capability: The SHERP is engineered to navigate through the most challenging terrains, including swamps, snow, ice, and dense forests, where traditional vehicles may falter. Its large, self-inflating tires and amphibious design enable it to overcome obstacles up to 4 feet high and operate seamlessly on both land and water.
Enhanced Accessibility: Unlike conventional boats, airboats, hovercrafts, and UTVs, the SHERP can transition effortlessly between land, ice, and water. Its buoyant, low-pressure tires allow it to float and traverse water bodies, while its design enables it to move over ice without compromising safety. This versatility ensures that rescue teams can reach individuals in distress, regardless of the environment.
Low Ground Pressure: Despite its robust build, the SHERP's weight distribution results in ground pressure comparable to that of a human foot. This feature allows it to traverse soft and unstable surfaces, such as thin ice or marshlands, without breaking through, enhancing its utility in delicate environments.
Superior Load Capacity and Autonomy: The SHERP can carry up to 2,645 pounds, accommodating rescue personnel, equipment, and evacuees. With additional fuel tanks, it boasts an operational range of up to 65 hours, enabling prolonged missions without the need for refueling.
Safety and Reliability: Equipped with a low center of gravity, rollover protection, and a robust body, the SHERP ensures the safety of both rescuers and those being rescued. Its design minimizes the risk of accidents, and its reliability reduces the likelihood of mechanical failures during critical operations.
Climate-Controlled Environment for Immediate Patient Care: The SHERP offers heating and air conditioning as standard features, providing a controlled environment that is crucial for patient stability during transport. Our SHERP will be fully equipped with EMS gear, enabling our team to initiate immediate medical treatment for those in need, regardless of external weather conditions

Adoption of SHERP Vehicles in Minnesota:

Recognizing the SHERP's value, several Minnesota counties have integrated it into their search and rescue operations:

St. Louis County: The St. Louis County Rescue Squad has added two SHERP ATVs, "Sherp 1" and "Sherp 2," to their fleet, enhancing their ability to navigate Northern Minnesota's challenging terrains.
Cass County: The Cass County Sheriff's Office has demonstrated their SHERP's capabilities during water and ice rescues, showcasing its effectiveness in diverse emergency scenarios.
Otter Tail County: The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Department has approved the purchase of a SHERP N 1200 all-terrain rescue vehicle, acknowledging its potential to enhance their search and rescue efforts.
Aitkin County: In December 2024, Aitkin County accepted a donation of a SHERP for their Search and Rescue team.

Our Mission:

By acquiring a SHERP, Lakes Area Rescue aims to:

Expand Reach: Effectively serve the diverse landscapes of Crow Wing and Cass Counties, ensuring no area is beyond our reach during emergencies.
Improve Response Times: Swiftly navigate challenging terrain to minimize the time it takes to reach individuals in need, ensuring faster and more effective emergency response.
Enhance Safety: Provide a secure environment for both rescue teams and those requiring assistance, even in the most hazardous conditions.
Multi-Agency Collaboration: We plan to make the SHERP available to all law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies within Crow Wing and Cass Counties. By offering comprehensive training to members of these departments, we will ensure that this remarkable piece of equipment becomes a shared resource, enhancing the collective emergency response capabilities across multiple counties. This collaborative approach maximizes the SHERP's utility, making it a significant asset for our entire community.

We need your support to make this vision a reality. Our fundraising goal is to secure the necessary funding for this critical piece of equipment in 2025. Join us in making a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of our community.

How You Can Help

Your generosity can directly impact our ability to save lives. Donations of any size bring us closer to our goal of acquiring the Sherp and enhancing our capabilities. Together, we can ensure Lakes Area Rescue remains a beacon of hope and safety for our community.

Donate Now and help us continue to serve and protect our residents and visitors.