Malden Teen Completes Prestigious Search & Rescue School

Malden has a new hometown hero in Artemijs “AJ” Jumutcs, 14, who recently completed the highly prestigious Hawk Mountain Ranger School of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). In completing this rigorous training, AJ received his Ranger 2nd Class Certification and CAP Ground Team Qualification in Search & Rescue.

Hawk Mountain Ranger School, a specialized training center and National Cadet Special Activity for the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, CAP, is known for its challenging curriculum and demanding physical requirements. AJ was one of 150 cadets from 39 states who participated in this year’s program, which aims to train field experts who can build, teach and lead CAP ground operations. The program equips CAP Rangers with the necessary skills to develop their unit’s Emergency Services programs, instruct fellow team members and take charge of operations in the most demanding and austere search environments. The training emphasized navigation, search and rescue techniques, extreme weather survival, campsite selection and mission scenarios, including patient evacuation.

In addition to his recent completion of the Hawk Mountain Ranger School, AJ had previously attended the Winter Ranger School in February. This specialized program focuses on preparing Ranger Team members for operations and survival situations in cold weather environments, providing essential training for up to 72 hours. AJ’s participation in this training further demonstrates his commitment to acquiring comprehensive skills in various emergency scenarios.

Throughout the nine-day training program, AJ and his fellow cadets were exposed to rugged conditions and put through rigorous physical and mental challenges. While hiking Hawk Mountain, they had the opportunity to practice and be evaluated on the skills they had learned in the classroom earlier in the week. Additionally, rappelling exercises allowed cadets to overcome their fears and build confidence, while the field medic training course focused on triage and prioritizing treatment for patients’ injuries. Living out of their field gear, AJ and his peers gained invaluable experience and understanding of real-world search and rescue operations.

The completion of the Hawk Mountain Ranger School marks a significant achievement for AJ, who has undoubtedly acquired a broad range of lifesaving skills. His success serves as an inspiration not only to the community of Malden but also to aspiring cadets across the nation. AJ’s dedication, perseverance and commitment to his training demonstrate the remarkable potential and determination of young individuals to make a positive impact on their communities.

As AJ returns to his home unit, Boston Cadet Squadron, he will bring with him the knowledge and expertise gained from the Hawk Mountain Ranger School. His role as a leader and trainer will help shape the future of emergency services programs and inspire others to follow in his footsteps. With his accomplishment, AJ has set a new standard for excellence and serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work.

About Civil Air Patrol: Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, CAP is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training and education. CAP is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives and shaping futures. Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow CAP on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.