Wahkiakum County Search & Rescue - SAR

06/20/2026

Great training today for Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Team! This is just some of our members who did ATV Operations and Communications Training at Bradley Trails ORV Area today, with a full camp setup including satellite internet, computers, radios, and a BBQ for lunch! Special thanks to the Camp Chef who snapped these photos for us and kept us well fed!

If you’d like to learn more about our team or are interested in joining, please contact Emergency Management Coordinator Austin Smith at 360-795-7876 or email: [email protected].

You can also find our volunteer application on our website at: https://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/187/Search-Rescue

Then click, “Become a Volunteer”.

07/18/2025

Wahkiakum Search and Rescue is looking to recruit new members! When tragedy strikes those which are trained are the most effective, which is why you should come join the Search and Rescue team for collaborative training. Proven effective year after year by always looking to improve, our SAR volunteers meet Monthly on Wed and Saturday of the third week to train on skills such as: Grid search, Rigging and rope work, Radio communications, Navigation techniques, Emergency Medical Preparedness, and Wilderness Survival skills. Stop by our booth during Bald Eagle days to pick up an application!

12/14/2024

Update: The missing person has been located and is safe.

The Wahkiakum County SAR Team has been activated to search for a Missing Person in the Cathlamet area. We are looking for a 76 y/o male with white hair wearing grey sweats. If residents in the Town Limits of Cathlamet or nearby notice anyone matching that description, please contact the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office at 360-795-3242 or dial 911. Any residents with security cameras are encouraged to check their footage to see if anyone matching that description is seen on their cameras.

11/20/2024

On 11/19/2024 at approximately 1619 hours Wahkiakum county dispatch received a report of a lost person in the area of Eden Valley RD. A SAR Coordinator Deputy from the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene immediately and received the property owners permission to enter the property within 33 minutes. The Wahkiakum County Department of Emergency Management Coordinator mobilized a team of 9 county volunteers and began mobilizing out of county assets to assist. The missing subjects satellite texting device lost service. A search and rescue base camp was established by 1839 hours and search teams entered the search area via 4wd vehicles within minutes of arrival. A perimeter of the entire drainage was established. Searchers utilized horns, sirens, lights and called out to the subject. Numerous officers and biology division employees from Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived on scene to assist in searching. A Coast Guard helicopter was activated out of Astoria and 10 additional searchers were mobilized from Cowlitz County Search and Rescue. The satellite texting device reconnected when the subject relocated after hearing the audio cues. The individual was located safe at 2158 hours.

We are thankful for a positive outcome and grateful for the efforts of our community members who volunteer their precious time to answer the call whenever friends and neighbors are in need.

06/25/2024

The Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office is offering the Youth Kayaking/Water Safety Event for the second year, this July 10th, July 11th and August 1st!

To sign up or for more information, please contact Deputy Lucas Getman at 360-795-3242 or [email protected]

04/21/2024

To maintain mission ready status several of our amazing volunteers donated their mornings to help get our storage facility in order, and make sure all the small engines run when needed.

04/06/2024

Great reminder to check your equipment and know how to get help!

On 04/04/2024, at approximately 9:00 PM, the Skamania County Communications Center received a 911 call from 19-year-old Wyatt Corn advising he and his 19-year-old friend were lost on the Pacific Crest Trail, just north of the city of North Bonneville. The individuals set out to hike Aldrich Butte at approximately 1000 that morning, but became lost on their return. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator, along with members of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, responded to the area near the last G.P.S. coordinates of the hikers. After a three-hour mission, Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers were able to find the two lost hikers, bringing them to safety. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office wants to use this opportunity to remind all outdoor recreationists to be prepared for their outing, including possessing the Ten Essentials, letting someone know about your trip plans, and ensuring your adventure is within your skill levels.

03/23/2024

03/23/2024 FIELD TRAINING

Today, the SAR team met at Vista Park to go over Land Navigation Training. We meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month for classroom training, in the evening, and then put those skills to use in the field on the following Saturday.

If you’d like to learn more about the Search and Rescue program or are interested in becoming a member, please contact DEM Coordinator Austin Smith or Deputy Lucas Getman with the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office. We are always looking for more volunteers!

Contact Austin or Lucas at:
Email: [email protected]
Call: 360-795-3242

01/18/2024

This is your friendly reminder that as the ice melts and we resume our outdoor activities, we all need to dress for the weather. Layer up, wear wool and always be prepared for those sudden showers that keep our area beautiful.

We are always taking volunteers applications and have just started working through them for the new year. Reach out to SAR Deputy Lucas Getman or DEM coordinator Austin Smith at (360)795-3242