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Founded on July 11, 1972, the Pend Oreille County (POC) Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) is non-profit volunteer organization that operates under the authority and direction of the POC Sheriff. Our mission is to find the lost, rescue the stranded and injured, recover the deceased and educate the public on preventing these types of incidents.
As such, we are always looking for able-bodied men and women volunteers to join our ranks in these physically demanding searches, providing direct assistance, and carrying out rescues in challenging environments. This is made possible by our dedicated volunteers, each specializing in particular skills, with training provided across various essential areas to support our mission.
Our training includes mapping, transportation, radio communications, mission documentation, staging equipment and personnel, assisting other volunteers, providing medical care in the field, wilderness navigation, crime scene and evidence recognition, search techniques, and lost person behavior.
Our rescue missions encompass searches for missing children, elderly individuals, those with medical conditions, as well as hunters, hikers, campers, and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Our volunteers undergo rigorous training and are equipped to operate in all types of terrain and weather conditions, both day and night, dedicating themselves to each mission for as long as necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
To support our volunteers in their vital work, we maintain a fully equipped mobile command post as well as four-wheel-drive and all-terrain vehicles, rescue boats, and snowmobiles. These resources ensure our team is prepared to carry out successful rescue operations in any environment.
If you believe you have what it takes, we want you on our team! To apply to join Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s SAR, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID. Upon acceptance of your application, you will need to obtain certifications in first aid, CPR, and bloodborne pathogens, as well as complete the online FEMA courses: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS-100) and Introduction to the National Incident Management System (ICS700). Once this training is successfully completed, you will be a recognized SAR team member.
SAR meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Newport and have training throughout the county during the year. For more information contact POC Sheriff’s SAR Captain John Seibert at PendOreilleSAR@ gmail.com.
