In 2026, Joseph Tidwell may be released from prison under California's Elderly Parole Program despite having served less than half of his original sentence. The man was convicted of killing two members of the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team during a 2004 collision fueled by methamphetamine.
The 2004 collision that claimed Scott Johnston and Phil Calvert
The tragedy occurred on July 17, 2004, when Joseph Tidwell’s vehicle crossed the center line and struck a rescue vehicle head-on. As the report details, the collision resulted in the immediate deaths of two rescue workers and left others with life-altering injuries.
During the aftermath, Dr. Jim Evans attempted to perform CPR on Scott Johnston, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Another team member, Phil Calvert, survived the initial impact but passed away three days later due to complications from his injuries, according to the source.
A 45-year sentence facing the Elderly Parole Program
Following a 2007 trial, Joseph Tidwell was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to a term of 45 years to life. District Attorney Alex Martinez successfully argued for the second-degree murder conviction, citing Tidwell's history of prior convictions and warnings.
The current controversy stems from a 2026 recommendation for parole under the Elderly Parole Program.. This legal mechanism allows certain long-term inmates to be considered for release based on age, even if they have not completed their full sentences. For the families of the victims, this recommendation feels like a dismissal of the original 45-year sentence.
Bob Blanck’s recovery and the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue legacy
Survivor Bob Blanck, a member of the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team, continues to deal with the physical and emotional fallout of the crash. Blanck was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he underwent five separate surgeries to repair a torn iliac artery and stabilize his lower back and legs.
The recovery process for Blanck was grueling, requiring a full year of physical therapy just to regain the ability to walk ... This incident has become a rallying cry for the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team, who advocate for stricter penalties for drivers under the influence and better support systems for the famiiles of those lost in the line of duty.
Will Governor Newsom intervene in the parole recommendation?
The victims' families and survivors are now looking toward the highest levels of California state government to prevent Tidwell's release. They have actively reached out to Governor Newsom and various state legislators to urge an intervention in the parole process.
However, several questions remain unanswered by the current reporting. It is unclear if Governor Newsom has received formal petitions or if the state legislature is considering any specific legislative changes to the Elderly Parole Program in response to this case. Furthermore, the source does not clarify if Tidwell's legal team has issued a formal response to the families' advocacy efforts.
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