Deschutes SO SAR seeking new volunteers

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications from members of our community who are interested in becoming a Search and Rescue Volunteer.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (DCSO SAR) is one of the busiest search and rescue units in the state of Oregon.

In 2014, DCSO SAR completed 244 missions, which included medical related missions, training missions, public events and assists to other counties. Volunteers are highly skilled and range from general searchers to those capable of highly technical missions such as Mountain Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Diving operations and more.

Selected applicants, who must be at least 21 years of age, are required to complete the DCSO SAR, which consists of 120 hours of training. This year’s academy will begin on March 30 th and conclude on May 2 nd . Generally, training occurs on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm-9pm, which consist of classroom exercises and is followed up with a day of training on Saturday or Sunday for outdoor practical exercises.

Academy attendees will receive instruction in several areas including, but not limited to: navigation, tracking, wilderness survival, search tactics, first aid/CPR and how DCSO SAR operates.

Included in the academy is a “pack test”, which consists of a five mile hike (2 miles uphill and 2 miles downhill) carrying a 25 lb. backpack. The time limit for this test is 100 minutes. Each academy attendee will be assigned a mentor to assist with the successful completion of the academy.

Applications can be found online at www.sheriff.deschutes.org or www.deschutessearchandrescue.org. The application turn in dead line is January 30th, 2015 at 5 PM.

Once applications are reviewed, applicants that meet minimum qualifications will be contacted and will attend an informational session and applicants will be required to attend an oral board interview. A background investigation will be completed for all applicants who are selected after the oral board interview.

Some qualities necessary include the ability to fit in with our current volunteers, a good attitude and the ability to function as a tea player. There is a $100 entry fee for those selected, which covers initial Search and Rescue Volunteer clothing issued upon graduation from the academy.

Additional questions can be answered by telephoning Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Special Services, 541-388-6501.