SO OTHERS MAY LIVE
On July 17, 2004, five members of the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team were en route to Joshua Tree National Park to look for a missing hiker, Eric Sears, when they were struck head-on by Joseph Tidwell crossed over the center line and struck the search and rescue vehicle head on.
Tidwell was driving under the influence of methamphetamine. He had been using heroine and methamphetamine since 1988 and had numerous drug, alcohol, and DUI incidents with law enforcement. He was given numerous opportunities for drug rehabilitation but never completed it.
Two of the rescuers, Phil Calvert and Scott Johnston were killed in the crash. Team member Scott Johnston died on scene and team member Phil Calvert died three days later of his injuries while in the hospital.
Phil Calvert, 4R21
Phil Calvert was born January 7th 1946 in El Paso, Texas and moved to Redlands in 1984. With his construction background, he was employed as the Facility Manager for ESRI of Redlands. A San Gorgonio Team Member since 1992, Phil loved the the outdoors, and his hobbies included hunting, hiking, ice climbing and technical rope rescue. He had a passion for his family, for learning and sharing his knowledge, and perfecting his interests.
That Man is a Success
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; Who has gained the respect of intelligent [people] and the love of children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who leaves the world better than he found it; Who looked for the best in others, and gave the best he had.
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Scott Johnston, 4R12
Scott was born on January 7, 1974 in San Francisco, California. Scott grew up in San Diego and moved to Redlands in 1990. He was employed as an electrician and worked part time in a sport shop. A San Gorgonio Team Member for over 8 years, Scott’s hobbies were centered on outdoor adventures. Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, surfing and scuba diving were just a few of his interests. His calm personality was his stronghold, and he was loved by all. He lived for the search and had a curiosity of the unknown.
I’m growing older but not up
My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck
So let those winds of change blow over my head
I’d rather die while I’m living than live while I’m dead
by Jimmy Buffet
Justice for Phil and Scott
Phil Calvert and Scott Johnston were killed in the line of duty when Joseph Tidwell, driving under the influence of methamphetamine, crashed head on into their rescue vehicle while in route to a search.
Tidwell was driving under the influence of methamphetamine. He had been using heroine and methamphetamine since 1988 and had numerous drug, alcohol, and DUI incidents with law enforcement. He was given numerous opportunities for drug rehabilitation but never completed it.
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.
Email: justiceforphilandscot@gmail.com