East SBV Times

On March 22, 2025, a technical hoist rescue was conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department to extract Shawna Burger, a 40-year-old resident of Calabasas, from the Devil's Backbone trail on Mt. Baldy. Burger had contacted the Sheriff's Dispatch for assistance after becoming stranded due to icy and treacherous terrain.

The department's Aviation Unit was notified, and the day shift patrol helicopter (40K1) was dispatched to locate her. She was found at an elevation of approximately 8,700 feet on a narrow trail composed of shale rocks, snow, and ice. With one side of the trail against a steep rock face and the other dropping into a canyon, Burger was in a precarious position holding her dog while wearing inadequate clothing for the conditions.

Sheriff's Helicopter Air Rescue 307 (AR307) was called for a hoist rescue due to the risk of falling and Burger's lack of proper attire. A rescue medic was lowered to her location and successfully placed both Burger and her dog into a rescue harness before hoisting them to safety.

"The Sheriff's Department would like to remind anyone heading to the mountain regions for outdoor activities to be safe and prepared with adequate hiking gear, equipment, clothing, food, and water," stated Deputy Lauren Abernathy from the Emergency Operations Division - Aviation Unit. The department emphasized that mountain conditions can change rapidly and urged hikers to research areas and weather forecasts beforehand. They also noted that parts of Mt. Baldy remain closed following the Bridge Fire incident.

Air Rescue 307 Crew included Pilot Deputy Daniel Futscher, Crew Chief Deputy Lauren Abernathy, Technical Rescuer/Fire Engineer Michael Demoff, and Air Medic Nurse Meagan Kimball. The 40-KING-1 Crew comprised Pilot Corporal Paul Kowalski and Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Jonathan Holt.

For further information or inquiries about this case (No. 032500763), contact Deputy Lauren Abernathy at (909) 252-4100.

Shannon D. Dicus serves as Sheriff-Coroner for San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.