SAR Volunteers at CORSAR Event 07

Welcome!

The Search and Rescue Team is part of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.   However, the SAR unit is staffed by only two paid personnel: one Lieutenant who is the SAR Program Manager, and a SAR administrative assistant for the program.  In the last few years, the team has evolved into a unit of well-equipped and well-trained unpaid professionals who are dedicated to providing their expertise at no cost to the taxpayers of Jackson County and the State of Oregon. 

The approximately 125 volunteers are trained in all aspects of search and rescue, including search techniques, land navigation, tracking, rescue and recovery, and first aid.  Many members of the team are emergency medical technicians, and all team members are trained to minimum level of first responder.  An overhead team trained in incident command systems, command post operations, and search management directs searches in the field.

Jackson County has rugged terrain, ranging from swift-water rivers to elevations of 9,495’ on Mt. McLaughlin.  The climate offers 4 “real” seasons ranging from whiteout snowstorms to extremely hot summer days.  Jackson County is a visitor and hiker’s paradise offering diverse terrain, seasons and environments for the outdoor enthusiast.  Along with these come dangers and challenges that often result in Search and Rescue missions. 

Each year, the professionals of Jackson County SAR carry out numerous Search and Rescue missions in all weather conditions.  Incidents can vary from a missing child in fair weather in a residential neighborhood to a rescue of a trapped skier in blizzard conditions in the harsh wilderness backcountry.  Most of our callouts involve wilderness searches in rugged terrain.  At times, Jackson County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue may respond to searches throughout the state and region.  This requires members to have above average endurance and to feel comfortable in the great outdoors in extreme conditions.  Searching can be very rewarding, but also very draining, both physically and emotionally.  Our unit is also called upon to conduct evidence searches for major crimes including homicides. 

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is fortunate to have this dedicated and skilled organization of volunteers working for the safety of the community at large. 

For additional information or to obtain a SAR membership application, please call (541)864-8830.

Updated:  07-20-07