Search-rescue pioneer honored

By Scott North

Herald Writer

SNOHOMISH — They call it Taylor’s Landing, but it’s really a monument to the man who taught Snohomish County how to fly helicopters on rescue missions.

For nearly a quarter-century, Sgt. John Taylor oversaw search-and-rescue operations for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

When Taylor started, rescue missions were largely spur-of-the-moment affairs undertaken by untrained, underequipped deputies and volunteers. By the time he retired in 1997, the county could call on a cadre of well-organized search-and-rescue groups, supported by a small fleet of helicopters.

Since 1997, Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue has been developing an operations base on Old Machias Road east of Snohomish. The site is complete with helicopter hangar space, meeting rooms and an area that houses sheriff’s deputies who oversee the county’s search-and-rescue efforts.

On Sept. 29, the group formally dedicated the center, naming it in Taylor’s honor.

Taylor’s Landing "is actually a wonderful tribute to a real hero," sheriff’s spokeswoman Jan Jorgensen said. "He has saved hundreds of lives. I know that his purpose was to help people, and that is why he became involved in law enforcement."

Taylor is a little embarrassed by the honor. He said he’s just one of dozens of hard-working people who helped beef up the abilities of the county search-and-rescue network.

He’s also a little emotional.

"Do you want to hear me cry?" Taylor remarked. "It chokes me up just thinking about it."

Taylor not only led countless missions to find missing hikers and save injured climbers and others who got into trouble in the county’s wilderness areas, he is the person most responsible for developing the county’s search-and-rescue capabilities, said Ken Lakey, president of the volunteer group.

"He’s really grown it into what it is today," Lakey said.

Taylor’s first rescue came in July 1961 when he was a teen-ager working at a lodge in Monte Cristo, the former mining town east of Granite Falls. Sheriff’s deputies enlisted Taylor to help them bring down a woman who had been struck by a tumbling rock and suffered a broken leg while hiking on steep terrain.

After service in the Army, Taylor joined the sheriff’s office in 1968 and took over search-and-rescue operations in 1973. Along the way, he developed an ability to scrounge equipment for use in rescues, everything from snow cats to amphibious troop transports and hovercraft, and, above all, helicopters.

Helicopter transport revolutionized search and rescue in Snohomish County. It helped speed help to places where it was needed most and reduced the challenge presented by the county’s heavily timbered areas.

But for Taylor, it was heart, not machines, that often made the difference.

Lakey, who has been involved in search and rescue here since 1971, said he has numerous memories of missions with Taylor, but one that really stands out came about 30 years ago when a young boy was stuck on a rock in the middle of a rain-swollen river. Taylor worked his way out to the boy, but couldn’t get him safely back to shore before dark.

"He spent the night out on the rock," Lakey said. "I think he shivered for three days."

Taylor received a citation from then-President Richard Nixon for saving the child’s life. The retired deputy is honored at Taylor’s Landing with a more rustic symbol: a natural stone obelisk. Search-and-rescue crews plucked the boulder from a cliff at Monte Cristo, where for Taylor the adventure began, Jorgensen said.

"He is a man that people are never going to forget," she said.

You can call Herald Writer Scott North at 425-339-3431

or send e-mail to north@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest Senior Associate ESL Instructor James Wilcox, right, works on speaking and writing with Anfal Zaroug, 32, who is accompanied by her daughter Celia Hassen, 6 months, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
What will Trump’s immigration policy mean for Snohomish County?

The president-elect has vowed to ramp up deportations and limit legal immigration.

Water cascades down the Lower Falls near the Woody Trail at Wallace Falls State Park near Gold Bar on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. A nearly six mile round-trip to the park's Upper Falls offers hikers an array of vistas on a well maintained trail.
Wallace Falls closed due to bomb cyclone damage

Over 170 trees fell in last month’s storm. The park near Gold Bar is closed until further notice.

Neepaporn “A” Boungjaktha (Snohomish County)
Snohomish County executive director takes new gig with Port of Seattle

Neepaporn “A” Boungjaktha joined the county in 2022. Her last day will be Jan. 2.

People walk into the Everett Library off of Hoyt Avenue on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How will new Everett library hours affect its programs?

This month, the two branches scaled back their hours in light of budget cuts stemming from a city deficit.

The Evergreen Branch of the Everett Public Library is open and ready for blast off. Dillon Works, of Mukilteo, designed this eye-catching sculpture that greets people along Evergreen Way.   (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Snohomish County awards money to improve warming, cooling centers

The money for HVAC improvements will allow facilities to better serve as temporary shelters for weather-related events.

Marysville
Marysville to hold post-holiday ‘tree-cycling’ event

You can dispose of your tree and holiday packaging Jan. 4.

A member of the Fire Marshal’s Office circles the remnants of Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church after it was completely destroyed by a fire Friday, August 25, 2023, near Maltby, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Texas woman accused of arson in Maltby church fire

The August 2023 fire destroyed the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church. Natasha Odell faces state and federal charges.

Everett
Police searching for suspect in fatal Everett shooting

A man was found with multiple gunshot wounds Wednesday night in the Silver Lake neighborhood, police said.

The Safeway at 4128 Rucker Ave. on Wednesday. This location was set to be one of the 19 in Snohomish County sold to C&S Wholesale if the merger between Kroger and Albertsons went through. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Washington unions celebrate Kroger-Albertsons merger’s demise

Nineteen grocery stores in Snohomish County would have been sold if the deal went through.

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett committee finds downtown AquaSox stadium more viable

But both options — a new downtown stadium or a Funko Field remodel — cost more than the city can raise right now.

Lynnwood
Man, 24, killed in Lynnwood shed fire identified

The cause of the fire that killed Lukas Goodman remained under investigation this week.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish school leader on leave following sex abuse allegations

Last month, police arrested Julian Parker for investigation of child rape. Prosecutors are reviewing the case for charges.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.