On July 17, 2004, the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue team responded to a search for a missing 17-year-old male in Joshua National Park. Joseph Tidwell, who was driving under the influence of methamphetamine, crossed over the center line and struck the search and rescue vehicle head on. He had numerous drug, alcohol, and DUI incidents with law enforcement and was given numerous opportunities for drug rehabilitation, but never completed them.
Two of the rescuers, Phil Calvert and Scott Johnston were killed in the crash. Tidwell (who was uninjured) was arrested and stood trial in 2007. He was convicted of two counts of 2nd degree murder for the deaths of Phil and Scott and sentenced to 45 years to life in prison.
On June 30, 2026, after only serving 20 years of his sentence, Tidwell was granted parole. This is a grave injustice to the families of Phil and Scott and their fellow rescue team members.
Tidwell has not been released yet, his parole must be approved by the governor.
Please stand with the families of Phil and Scott and the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team and click the link below to send the Governor a message to NOT grant Joseph Tidwell’s parole.
After Clicking the Link. Follow the Steps Below:
Pre-Written Letter to the Governor:
Dear Governor Newsom,
RE: TIDWELL, JOSEPH, ALLEN CDCR NO. F58524
On July 17, 2004, the San Gorgonio Volunteer Search and Rescue team responded to a search for a missing 17-year-old male in Joshua National Park. While en route, Joseph Tidwell (who was driving under the influence of methamphetamine) crossed over the center line and struck the search and rescue vehicle head on. Two rescuers, Phil Calvert and Scott Johnston were killed in the crash. Tidwell (who was uninjured) was arrested and stood trial in 2007. He was convicted of two counts of 2nd degree murder for the deaths of Phil and Scott and was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison. On June 30, 2026, after only serving 20 years of his sentence, Tidwell was recommended parole. This is a grave injustice to the families of Phil and Scott and the other Rescue team members. Please honor the memories of these fallen volunteer heroes by encouraging Governor Newsome to not approve Tidwell’s parole.
Thank you for your time.