SAR in the running for $30k prize

Friends of Custer County Search and Rescue (Friends) has been selected as one of only five North American finalists in the Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services category of the 2026 Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE.
Out of hundreds of non-profit submissions across the United States and Canada, Custer County SAR (SAR) earned a spot in the final round, securing a $5,000 grant from CHASE. Now, the all-volunteer team is calling on South Dakota residents and supporters nationwide to help them bring home the grand prize: a customized, high-capability Defender 130 vehicle and $30,000 in cash funding to expand their life-saving rescue capabilities across the Black Hills region.
The grand prize winner is decided strictly by public vote, which opens Wednesday, July 29 and runs through Friday, Aug. 14.
“Our volunteer team covers some of the most rugged, high-elevation, and technical terrain in the region,” said Sam Smolnisky, director of SAR. “A custom off-road response vehicle like the Defender 130 directly translates to faster response times, better medical access and saved lives when someone gets lost or injured in the backcountry. We are honored to represent South Dakota on a national stage, but we need our community to vote every day to take this home.”
Smolnisky said Land Rover Tulsa worked with SAR on the initial nomination, followed by the Defender Service Awards team selecting five finalists for each of the categories. 
“Custer County Search and Rescue is really excited and honored to represent our small community on such a large stage,” Smolnisky said, adding the team of almost 50 volunteers has already responded to 70 calls in 2026 with its busiest time coming up. “Our dedicated volunteers train hard and give up their time to help out our community, and it feels great for our team to be recognized. Custer County Search and Rescue is such a great group of people and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
How to vote and support
• Voting Window: July 29 – Aug. 14
• Where to vote: LandRoverUSA.com Defender Service Awards (or search “Defender Service Awards Custer SAR”)
• Frequency: Supporters can vote once per day, per email, every day. Winners will be announced during the Destination Defender weekend event Sept. 11–13.