On Monday, February 2, 2010 Jim Kaminsky and Ben Lee went on what they intended on being a day hike in the Superstitions, telling their families they were going to hike Flat Iron and would be back in the evening. At approximately 10:30 p.m. family members started to worry about the two men and contacted the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.   

Deputies quickly located the men’s vehicles, one at the Lost Dutchman trail head and one at the Peralta trail head.  Deputies contacted PCSO SAR Posse who immediately responded to the Peralta Trail, set up a Command Post and started searching for the men.   

The men were located by a DPS Helicopter, called in to assist with the search, at approximately 3:40 am.  Due to the terrain, the helicopter was unable to land.  The search quickly transitioned into a rescue and GPS coordinates were provided to PSCO SAR posse members who started their trek into the Superstitions to assist the men.  

Once they reached the hikers, the men reported they had wandered off course and could not find their way back to the trail.  Neither of the men was injured and they were led back to Peralta Trail and to family members who were waiting for them at the command post. Altogether, nearly a dozen SAR Team volunteers and deputies aided in the search and rescue effort.  

Family members who maintained contact with PCSO SAR members throughout the morning were relieved when notified by deputies the men  had been located and elated when they saw the men walking toward the command post, escorted by PCSO SAR members late Tuesday morning.

“I'm very pleased with the effort put forth by PCSO SAR.” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. "I continue to be proud of the quick rescue response of our PCSO SAR Posse. Hikers should remember to be prepared with adequate food, water, clothing and accurate trail maps to ensure their safety while out on the trails.”