About Us

Our Story: Decades of Expertise in Rope Rescue & Outdoor Gear

AHS Rescue’s journey began with a clear inspiration: to meet the demand for high-level technical rope rescue equipment sales while simultaneously providing top-tier technical rope rescue training that incorporates the latest technology and best practices. Our roots trace back to 1972 , with a 20′ x 20′ Miners Line Shack that initially focused on gold prospecting supplies. We quickly recognized and adapted to our customers’ broader needs, expanding our offerings to include footwear, tents, and sleeping bags. We even ventured into sporting goods, including guns, ammo, and fishing tackle, in the 70s. Early on, we found great success in renting equipment like backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags, serving as an excellent bridge for wilderness camping needs that supported the passion for gold hunting.

By the late 1980s, a significant shift occurred across the USA as local fire departments sought to enhance their community’s rescue capabilities with NFPA standards. This growing need for expertise in High Angle Rope Rescue, Water Rescue, Confined Space, and Rope Access to difficult areas is precisely when AHS Rescue came into existence.

Our Mission & Vision: Building Trust Through Knowledgeable Service

Mission Statement: We are dedicated to providing a service that our customers can trust through knowledgeable staff who not only sell equipment but also possess the expertise to offer advice that supports customers on their adventures.

Vision for the Future: We aim to continue growing with our community’s needs and stay attuned to the many equipment changes over time. Our vision includes continuing to expand our business awareness by providing technical sales and education.

What Makes Us Unique: Hands-On Experience You Can Trust

What truly sets AHS Rescue apart is our decades of hands-on technical Rope, water, low/high angle rescue experience. We don’t just sell equipment; we also provide essential training in its safe use. Our customers have come to trust us as the go-to technical shop, not only for our equipment but, more importantly, for the crucial tools and information we provide for rope rescue skills.

Our Values: Integrity, Trust, and 5-Star Service

Our core values guide everything we do:

• Respect

• Trust

• Integrity

• Moral compass

• Providing 5-star service

Our Team: Experienced Climbers, Rescuers, and Problem-Solvers

At AHS Rescue, we foster a close and communicative culture, ensuring our customers receive honest answers to their questions. Our staff are not just employees; they are climbers, adventurers, boaters, and rescue technicians. They bring real-life skill sets to the table, offering common-sense solutions to everyday challenges. We cherish working with problem-solving, inquisitive, and helpful individuals. We also support our staff in their personal goals, helping them on their life journeys.

Our leadership includes:

• Dale Stewart: Owner and lead technical rescue instructor, who provides essential guidance and support for all aspects of rescue.

• Jon Minks: Lead instructor for wilderness survival, bushcraft, navigation, emergency medical classes, and more.

   

Our Impact & Achievements: Global Training & Community Support

AHS Rescue primarily serves Fire Departments, Wilderness SAR teams, Rope Access Companies, and those involved in industrial fall protection. Our sister company, Arizona Hiking Shack, caters to “true to the trail” enthusiasts and provides life-saving knowledge to the public. We positively impact our customers and the industry by offering a wide range of solutions that are often hard to find, along with training services that span the globe. We are committed to having the best equipment and the most knowledgeable staff available for your adventure.

We are proud recipients of several awards and certifications, including:

• Multiple awards from the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation for years of support for Park Rangers.

• Dozens of certifications over the years for teaching OSHA/ANSI compliant training.

• Certifications such as Rope Rescue Technician Instructor, NEMT, and SPRAT Tech.

• The City of Phoenix Fire Department Heroism award.

• Numerous Ropes That Rescue certifications.

Community Involvement: We actively engage with our community. For over a decade, we’ve partnered with Parks and Recreation to support the “Summit Challenge” and placed floor signs to raise awareness about local heat dangers during the summer. For the past 23 years, we’ve organized the “Water Rescue Rodeo” in support of statewide Mountain Rescue teams.

Trust & Comfort: Your Questions, Our Expertise

We truly care about our customers and are dedicated to serving each individual’s needs. When you visit our “About Us” page, we want you to feel a sense of trust and comfort, knowing that you can ask any question, no matter how unusual it may seem.