CSAR was pleased to present Denver-based Rocky Talkie with our new Corporate Citizenship Award during the opening reception of our annual SARCon in September, 2024.
Rocky Talkie donates $2.00 per radio sold to their SAR awards program, currently totaling $156,000 since the program began in 2020. The company puts significant effort into marketing the awards program every year, helping to increase public awareness for BSAR efforts nationally and educating the public that most BSAR responders are volunteers. Unlike technology companies that market their products as saving lives in the backcountry, telling BSAR stories without mentioning the team that performed the rescue, Rocky Talkie recognizes that their products are part of a larger picture. Their website says, “We also understand that accidents will still happen even with perfect communication. That’s why we’ve donated $2 per radio sold since we first launched our company. Donations are intended to both support underfunded teams and recognize the extraordinary efforts that first responders make on a regular basis to help those in need.” Their website also lists CSAR, along with MRA and NASAR, as organizations they support.
In 2020, the first year of the awards program, Alpine Rescue Team was the sole winner. In 2021, Summit County Rescue Group took first place and Lake County SAR was also a winner. In 2022, Larimer County SAR and Ouray Mountain Rescue were two of four winners, and this year Black Canyon of the Gunnison SAR was one of five winners and was featured prominently in the marketing effort with their video The White Wall.
In 2023 and again in 2024, Rocky Talkie donated funds to pay for the opening reception at SARCon and also donated radios for the raffle. They are currently in discussions with CSAR to donate radios for the state coordinators and for team ICs.
This award recognizes that Rocky Talkie’s contribution to supporting BSAR in Colorado and nationwide is about much more than just donating money. Their marketing efforts to raise awareness of our role and our needs are worth more than the money that goes into it, and it is our hope that they will set an example for other companies who sell rescue-related technology.
