Deschutes SO Search and Rescue seeks volunteers

Are you interested in serving as a volunteer team member on one of the busiest Search and Rescue teams in the state? Are you willing to sacrifice your own time, resources, and comfort to assist others in need?

If so, you may be interested in becoming a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteer.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (DCSSAR) are seeking volunteers age 21 and over. No prior experience is required, however, applicants must be team-oriented, be comfortable in the backcountry in all types of weather, be willing to learn and improve their outdoor skills, have the physical conditioning to be a contributing team member on missions, and have the time available to contribute. This means having job and family flexibility to respond to emergencies at any time of the week—day or night.

To be considered for membership, applicants must:

Complete and submit applications by Friday, January 25, 2013
Pass a criminal and driving history background check Complete an in-depth questionnaire and personal interview Fully commit to first year training, including :

– A 100-hour general training academy in April/May

– First aid and CPR training (unless currently certified)

– Successful completion of all state search and rescue certification requirements

Be willing to make monetary investments :

– Pay an initial fee of $100.00 upon acceptance into the training academy which

will be used to purchase required SAR clothing upon completion

– Provide own personal clothing and equipment as required

Contribute time every month toward training, meetings and active missions
Be available as often as possible when SAR emergencies dictate
Be able to meet specific physical requirements
Have no medical conditions that could interfere with strenuous physical activity.
Be able to work in a team-oriented environment
Possess unquestioned integrity and honesty
Be comfortable at all times and conditions in the backcountry

Application packets are available at the main Sheriff’s Office reception window in Bend, or at any of the Sheriff’s Office substations in La Pine, Sisters or Terrebonne, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. The application process closes at the end of business on Friday, January 25, 2013. When completed, all materials should be returned to any Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reception window or via mail to: SAR Recruitment Coordinator, 63333 West Highway 20, Bend, OR 97701.

Lt. Scott Shelton Sgt. Mike Biondi

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Special Services Coordinator SAR Operations Manager

541-388-6501 541-388-6503