Vermont State Police say they are changing their search-and-rescue policy following the death of a 19-year-old hiker in Ripton.
The teenager from New Haven went hiking with his dog on Jan. 9th. When he did not return home that evening, his family called 911. He was found dead about three miles from the trailhead.
Vermont lawmakers have been working on legislation that would clarify search-and-rescue policies for emergency responders.
State police said Monday that they are modifying their policy to include notifying a trained local firefighter and Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department officials as well as a creating a unified command for search and rescues.