Search and Rescue
"This We Do, So Others May Live"
Who We Are
Under Oregon Law, the Sheriff of each county is responsible for the search and rescue activities within the county. Umatilla County Sheriff's Office's search and rescue team is the Umatilla Search and Rescue Foundation (UMASAR), a non-profit corporation managed by a board of directions. UMASAR's website has information regarding their structure, recent missions, how to donate, how to join, and other helpful information.
What We Do
The mission of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit (UMASAR) is to perform an invaluable service to the community by providing a professional, well-trained, organized, mostly volunteer search and rescue team that is devoted to helping lost and missing persons, overdue hunters, stranded motorist, and others. They also aid in medical emergencies and perform many other search and rescue missions. SAR team members also assist our UCSO deputies and other law enforcement agencies at major crime scenes and are available to assist search and rescue teams in other jurisdictions, regionally and throughout Oregon and Washington, whenever needed.
Volunteers
We are always seeking volunteers to join our team. Search and Rescue teams consist of more than physically fit persons who can hike up mountains and carry injured people to safety. Although ground searchers are important to a team, other skill sets are just as important. Skill sets such as drone teams, UTV or ATV teams, logistics and planning skills, documentation skills, radio skills, or even planning and making lunches all contribute to the overall success of a mission. If you have the heart to serve and are willing to put in the time and training, you can be involved. If you are interested, check out the Umatilla Search Rescue Foundation website (UMASAR) for more information on how to join.
Training
UMASAR provides the required basic training. To become certified, the applicant must successfully complete the required training and maintain 30 hours per year of continuing education in a field related to search and rescue, which is approved by the Sheriff and SAR coordinator, such as:
- Emergency Survival Skills and Equipment
- Radio Communications
- Land Navigation, GPS Operation
- Crime Scene Security
- Search Organization and Management: Search Techniques, Man Tracking, Searcher Safety, Incident Command System and Rescue Techniques
- Helicopter Safety
- Wilderness Medicine
- CPR/First Aid
Training may include monthly meetings, weekend outings during the year, and outside trainings with other agencies. The outings provide practical experience through the use of mock searches, tracking exercises, map and compass exercises, and ATV operation. Outside training is available through statewide courses, managing search operations schools, mountaineering, and other specialized classes. SAR members also provide outdoor survival awareness trainings at local schools and summer camps. Umatilla County SAR responds to 15 to 20 calls per year and may spend anywhere between 4-5 hours to 2-3 days on a mission. SAR’s commitment involves time and money to become properly equipped and trained for the unique challenges they will face. Members donate the use of their personal equipment including ATVs, snowmobiles, 4x4 vehicles, and horses or mules. Callouts can frequently occur during harsh conditions, and volunteers are required to be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment for any weather conditions encountered on a search.
Contact Us
Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
4700 NW Pioneer Place
Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone:
541-966-3600