As part of the superhero-themed Summer Reading programs at local libraries, kids heard from real heroes in recent months. These aren’t the kind of superheroes who wear capes — instead, they can be seen in police uniforms, firefighting gear or even wetsuits, depending on the call. They’re the ones who immediately respond to local disasters and emergencies, whether it’s a fire, car crash, drowning, plane wreck or other accident.

We appreciate the heroic efforts of all emergency responders, and we want to take a moment to recognize Search and Rescue members in particular.

On Saturday evening, the Park County Search and Rescue Unit responded to a floating accident on the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River in the Crandall area. Tragically, a 13-year-old drowned in the accident.

Just 40 minutes after that 911 call came in, Search and Rescue members were dispatched to another incident. A woman hiking alone in the South Fork area had become stuck on a ledge.

Search and Rescue crews spent the night at the scene of both accidents.

In the Crandall area drowning, volunteers searched the area for the young teen until darkness fell Saturday night. Team members stayed at points along the river throughout the night, and then resumed their search Sunday morning with the aid of several local kayakers. The teen’s body was recovered Sunday.

Meanwhile, other members at the South Fork scene reached the rimrocked hiker at 1:15 a.m., bringing the uninjured woman back to the trailhead at 4 a.m. Sunday.

It certainly was a long night for Search and Rescue teams, but we know they would do it again without hesitation. We cannot thank them enough for their dedication and hard work.

It’s worth noting that all of the Search and Rescue members are volunteers, with the exception of the coordinator, who also is the head of Homeland Security in Park County.

So far this year, the Search and Rescue unit has responded to 14 incidents — nine of which have occurred since May.

Park County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lance Mathess called Search and Rescue members “truly remarkable people.”

“In the span of two weeks, the team has had to recover four victims of a horrific plane crash, recover the body of a 13-year-old drowning victim, and perform a high-mountain rescue of a stranded hiker at 2 a.m. in the morning, the latter two at the same time,” he said. “Their courage and devotion is unparalleled.”

Fall and hunting season will be here soon, and it also can be a busy time for Search and Rescue, Mathess said.

In Wyoming’s rugged backcountry, it only takes a moment for outdoor activities to turn dangerous or even deadly. It’s reassuring to know that skilled and dedicated emergency workers are standing by.