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 / Monte Vista Supplies and Supports Expand Peer-Led Mental Health Program in Monte Vista
Local Champion:
Sargent School District NO. Re-33j
Date funded:
March 31, 2026
Grant Amount:
$7,521
Health / Weiser Backstop Padding Protects Weiser Softball Players
Local Champion:
Weiser High School Athletics
Date funded:
March 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$4,862
Health / Monte Vista Skating Program Gets Students Moving in Monte Vista
Local Champion:
Monte Vista School District NO. C-8
Date funded:
March 25, 2026
Grant Amount:
$23,616
Health / Taos Walk-In Freezer Strengthens Weekly Food Access in Taos
Local Champion:
St. James Episcopal Church
Date funded:
March 24, 2026
Grant Amount:
$30,000
Health / Taos Free Grief Support Strengthens Community Wellness in Taos
Local Champion:
Golden Willow Retreat, Inc
Date funded:
March 23, 2026
Grant Amount:
$16,300
Health / Weiser Track Equipment Brings New Competitions to Weiser
Local Champion:
Weiser High School Athletics
Date funded:
March 18, 2026
Grant Amount:
$10,000
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