Rescue operation lasted nearly four hours
Vernon police used the department's Gator vehicle to rescue an injured hiker Jan. 30, 2016 (Photo: Vernon Township Police Department)
The hiker, identified only as a female, suffered a foot and ankle injury on a section of the trail known as "Stairway to Heaven," according to a news release from police.
Vernon police, the Vernon Township Ambulance Squad along with firefighters responded to the trail around 3:45 p.m., authorities said.
Responders found the hiker about a mile and a half from areas reachable by vehicles, police said. Firefighters moved the victim into a stokes rescue basket and transferred her to a police Gator utility vehicle.
Police drove the hiker to the bottom of the mountain where emergency vehicles were waiting.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
