A Drone Takes Search and Rescue to New Heights in Cortez | LOR Foundation
Complete Health

A Drone Takes Search and Rescue to New Heights in Cortez

Cortez
  • Local Champion: United Search and Rescue of Montezuma County
  • Date Funded: September 2, 2025
  • Grant Amount: $19,882

Cortez residents and visitors rely on Montezuma County Search and Rescue when they find themselves in trouble, but the team currently lacks the technology for efficient overhead searches. The group’s volunteers recognized this gap and knew they needed new equipment to help them locate missing people more quickly, so they reached out to LOR with an idea. LOR’s funding will help Montezuma County Search and Rescue purchase a thermal imaging drone that meets federal aviation requirements. The advanced drone will enable the group to conduct more efficient searches and and reduce rescue times, while also delivering emergency supplies to stranded individuals.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
More Health Solutions
Health / Buffalo A Life-Saving AED Equips Buffalo’s Courthouse
Local Champion:
Johnson County Public Health
Date funded:
July 9, 2026
Grant Amount:
$2,442
Health / Cortez Infrastructure Investments Make a Cortez Food Pantry Safe and Welcoming
Local Champion:
Good Samaritan Center
Date funded:
June 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$8,128
Health / Questa Kitchen Renovation Restores Community Gathering Space in Questa
Local Champion:
Saint Anthonys Catholic Church Questa
Date funded:
June 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$3,500
Health / Taos Portable Recovery Zone Supports Well-Being of Taos’ Youth Athletes
Local Champion:
Southwest Athletic Club
Date funded:
June 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$3,865
Health / Taos Workplace Wellness Initiative Strengthens Employee Well-Being in Taos
Local Champion:
Taos Whole Community Health
Date funded:
June 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,197
Health / Cortez Locally Raised Bison Bring Protein to Cortez Families Facing Food Insecurity
Local Champion:
Farming Hands Initiative
Date funded:
June 29, 2026
Grant Amount:
$48,950
See All solutions

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.