Two stranded men rescued after overnight wait

Thursday, Feb. 18, 1999 | 10:18 a.m.

Longtime Mountain City Deputy Colin Perry, familiar with the back roads on Petan Ranch lands, led the search that located the men.

Bob Johnson, 43, and Doug Harney, whose age was not available, had traveled into the area Monday morning.

After their truck became mired, they used a CB radio to summon assistance. A Boise ham radio operator picked up their distress call and first contacted the men's families. After friends were unable to locate the men, the sheriff's office was notified Monday night.

Four deputies waited for frost to set in and harden the roads before setting out before daybreak Tuesday. They located Johnson and Harney about five hours later.

Both were in generally good shape even though Harney had gone without food or insulin for more than 24 hours.

Perry suffered a back injury in October while working the scene of a fatal automobile accident near Mountain City and has been on leave from his deputy duties. He volunteered to aid in the search because of his familiarity with the area.