John Doolittle, a retired volunteer ski patroller with three decades of service, has released a new novel that plunges readers into the high-stakes world of mountain search and rescue. Responding to Save Others: A Story of Duty, Sacrifice, and Courage is a work of fiction set in the Lake Tahoe basin during a massive winter storm, but its authenticity stems from Doolittle's own experiences patrolling the same terrain from 1979 to 2008. The book follows a team of volunteer ski patrollers as they confront a series of escalating emergencies: a chairlift evacuation, the search for two missing children, and a multi-day rescue effort that tests their endurance and teamwork.
While the storm and characters are fictional, Doolittle has said the events reflect the range of incidents, personalities, and working conditions he encountered over his career. The title comes from a motto he developed during his years patrolling, underscoring the selflessness that defines the volunteer ethos. The National Ski Patrol, founded in 1938 by Charles Minot "Minnie" Dole, today comprises more than 30,000 members across over 640 patrols worldwide. Doolittle's novel offers a rare window into the training, procedures, and camaraderie that underpin mountain rescue operations, a world that rarely makes headlines until tragedy strikes.
The timing of the release is significant. As climate change intensifies winter storms and more people venture into backcountry terrain, the role of volunteer patrollers has never been more critical. Yet these individuals often operate with little public recognition. Doolittle's book not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the physical and emotional demands of a job that is, for most, unpaid. By weaving a fictional narrative around real-world practices, he bridges the gap between adventure fiction and a tribute to service. The book is more than a story; it is an unforgettable celebration of resilience and the human spirit.
Doolittle's own life exemplifies that spirit. He holds a degree in economics and a master's in finance, retired as a senior executive from Pacific Bell/SBC, and served as a colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve. His 30 years with the National Ski Patrol earned him the Distinguished Service Award and a National Appointment. "Responding to Save Others" is his second book, following the nonfiction "Khoda Hafez…Goodbye Iran," which chronicled his family's move to Tehran in 1978 and their witness to the Iranian Revolution.
For readers interested in learning more about the author and his work, his official website is https://johndoolittlebook.com/. The novel is published by Prime Publishing Labs. By sharing these stories, Doolittle ensures that the quiet courage of ski patrollers is recognized and celebrated, reminding us all of the sacrifices made by those who respond to save others.
