“People who face life with passion, encourage others to live their lives with spirit.” – Maya Angelou

These were the words so lovingly written on a hand-made card sent to the Mono County Search and Rescue Team. It was from a family member who had lost a loved one in the brutal wilderness of the California mountain range. They wanted to thank the brave Heroes who risk their lives daily in efforts to save the lives of others. Peter DeGeorge is a member of that team.

When some set out for a day of adventure and those plans go horribly wrong, the face of Peter DeGeorge is often the answer to desperate prayers. While the lost or injured await rescue, and family members plead for answers, Peter DeGeorge sets out into the wilderness, braving icy waters, canyon areas and scouring the rugged backcountry to find them. Peter DeGeorge has saved dozens of lives, answered so many prayers, and is deservingly among the Heroes honored in Mammoth Lakes Rotary Club Local Hero Recognition Day.

Peter DeGeorge is considered one of the most skillful and courageous members of the Mono County Search and Rescue Team. His vast knowledge and acute expertise has been put to the test under the most grueling conditions. When duty calls, he responds almost reflexively, able to locate the lost, assess their medical condition, tend to their needs and return them quickly to safety.

Armed with his skill in the use of rescue equipment and his awareness of water currents, altitudes and air temperature, Peter DeGeorge is well-prepared to triumph in even the most unpredictable and dangerous of situations. Residents, young and old, seek his counsel to insure they are as well prepared as possible before taking the first step of their wilderness journey. Even professional adventure guides like Dickenson Outdoor Activities understand, respect and appreciate the blessings of people like Peter DeGeorge.

In these stressful times, too many of us have allowed ourselves to become distracted. We give too much attention and praise to celebrities like sports stars and actors who provide escape from our boredom. They have their place. They entertain us, say they love us and they tell us they owe their fame and fortune to us, their adoring fans. But where are they when your life is in danger?  Where are they when you need a hand out or a hand up? Where are they when you need help? While they are out signing autographs and posing for the paparazzi, it is not them but the hand of humble souls and courageous hearts like Peter DeGeorge you will see reaching out for you.

It isn’t that we need more Heroes like Peter DeGeorge. We simply need to see them, to recognize them and to thank them for their willingness to climb down into the pit and pull us out of the darkness. Peter DeGeorge is a man of amazing strength and courage, a true definition of the word Hero. Of course, were you to ask him, his humble response would most likely be that he was only doing his job.

Heroes like Peter DeGeorge are like that, quietly serving those in need and asking nothing in return. They never see themselves as special. However, to those he has rescued from a life-threatening nightmare and to the families who could do nothing but hope and pray for their safe return, Peter DeGeorge is a miracle.