Search and Rescue is a vital component of the Sheriff's responsibility to conserve the peace in Columbia County. Sheriff's Office commanders oversee an entirely volunteer force of Search and Rescue (SAR) team members.  But though they all be volunteers, the SAR team is a very professional-minded group.  SAR volunteers lead the day-to-day preparations for when (not "if") the team's services will be required. The SAR advisory board is made up a president (Nick Berg), a coordinator (Ron Hermo), a secretary-treasurer (Terri Etter) and two regional directors, Keith Freels (North County) and Mike Johnson (South County).  The team also is advised by Ray and Diane Pohl, longtime Search and Rescue experts in Clatskanie.  Additional regional leaders are available for immediate response in the Nehalem River Valley.

SAR team members train yearly and must keep a minimum level of training current in order to be certified. Scores of citizens from across Columbia County are training to be prepared for search and rescue missions to wherever duty may call them.

Search and Rescue Training 2009:
Opportunities for logistical and operational planning practical exercises

2009 SAR Training:
Practical opportunities to employ search and rescue techniques

2009 SAR Recovery of Downed Aircraft: