Volunteer ski patrollers are often unsung heroes of the winter sports world, and a new novel aims to give their sacrifices and service the spotlight. John Doolittle, a retired volunteer with the National Ski Patrol, has released “Responding to Save Others: A Story of Duty, Sacrifice, and Courage,” a work of fiction set in the Lake Tahoe basin during a massive winter storm. The book follows a team of volunteer ski patrollers as they respond to a series of escalating emergencies, including a chairlift evacuation, a search for two missing children, and an extended multi-day rescue effort. But more than a thrilling narrative, the novel is an unforgettable celebration of service, resilience, and the human spirit.
The significance of this release lies in its authentic portrayal of mountain search-and-rescue operations, drawn from Doolittle’s 30 years as a volunteer patroller at a Lake Tahoe resort from 1979 to 2008. While the storm and characters are fictional, the events reflect the range of incidents, personalities, and working conditions he encountered over his career. The book’s title comes from a motto Doolittle developed during his years patrolling, underscoring the ethos of selflessness that defines the National Ski Patrol. Founded in 1938 by Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, the organization today comprises more than 30,000 members across over 640 patrols worldwide. By offering readers an inside look at the training, procedures, and teamwork involved in rescue missions, Doolittle’s novel serves as both an educational and inspirational tribute to these dedicated volunteers.
“Responding to Save Others” is Doolittle’s second book. His first, “Khoda Hafez…Goodbye Iran,” now in its second edition, is a nonfiction account of his family’s move to Tehran in 1978, where he witnessed the onset of the Iranian Revolution and the final months of the Shah’s rule. That earlier work established Doolittle as a storyteller with a keen eye for historical and personal detail, and his new novel continues that tradition by blending his passion for skiing and patrol work with a compelling narrative. Readers can find “Responding to Save Others” on Amazon, and more information about the author and his work is available at https://johndoolittlebook.com/. The book is published by Prime Publishing Labs, a publisher that supports independent voices.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping rescues, the novel highlights the camaraderie and dedication of ski patrollers, who often train extensively and put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Doolittle’s own experience—he was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award and a National Appointment—lends credibility to the story. His background as a retired senior executive from Pacific Bell/SBC and a colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve further informs his disciplined approach to storytelling. With its focus on duty, sacrifice, and courage, “Responding to Save Others” arrives at a time when volunteerism and community service are increasingly vital, reminding readers of the quiet heroism that unfolds on ski slopes every winter.
