Cowlitz County Search and Rescue

🚨 Meet Our Search & Rescue Volunteers 🚨

As part of our foul weather gear funding campaign, we’re proud to introduce the dedicated volunteers who answer the call—no matter the weather or terrain.

Your donation helps provide critical foul weather clothing and equipment, allowing our teams to operate safely in the harsh conditions they face on missions.

Our volunteers stand ready 24/7/365, driven by commitment, courage, and service to others.

⭐ Meet Matt Powers ⭐
Matt Powers has been a dedicated member of Search and Rescue for the past four years. When he’s not volunteering his time to help others, Matt works at Peper’s 49er Restaurant in Castle Rock alongside his wonderful wife, Mandie.

One of Matt’s favorite things about being part of SAR is the challenges the team faces together while working to get people the help they need. For him, the teamwork and shared commitment to helping others are some of the most rewarding parts of the job.

One thing Matt never expected when joining Search and Rescue was helping out at the Cowlitz County Fair—directing people to parking and taking tickets at the rodeo. It’s just one of the many ways SAR members support their community beyond search missions.

In his free time, Matt enjoys riding motorcycles with his wife, hiking with friends, talking on the HAM radio, flying drones, and continuing to volunteer with Search and Rescue.

We are grateful for Matt’s dedication, teamwork, and the time he gives to help others in their time of need. 💙

👉 Support volunteers like Matt by donating to our foul weather gear campaign:
https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Every contribution helps keep our teams safe, prepared, and mission-ready.

These things we do, that others may live.

Cowlitz County Search and Rescue expresses its deepest condolences to the family, shipmates, and loved ones of Rescue Swimmer Tyler Jaggers, and the crew of Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.

Tyler has passed from injuries sustained during an attempted medical evacuation of a stroke victim by helicopter from a cargo ship over 125 miles off Cape Flattery, WA on February 27, 2026.


Rest in Peace Brother

🚨 Meet Our Search & Rescue Volunteers 🚨

As part of our foul weather gear funding campaign, we’re proud to introduce the dedicated volunteers who answer the call—no matter the weather or terrain.

Your donation helps provide critical foul weather clothing and equipment, allowing our teams to operate safely in the harsh conditions they face on missions.

Our volunteers stand ready 24/7/365, driven by commitment, courage, and service to others.

⭐ Meet Allen Bennett ⭐
Allen Bennett has been a member of our Search and Rescue team for one year, bringing with him an impressive 26 years of prior SAR experience with two other teams. He is a retired U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, having completed a distinguished 30-year military career. In addition, Allen is a retired geologist—a background that continues to serve him well in the outdoors and during SAR operations.

Allen’s favorite part of SAR is training new members—helping them learn, grow, and gain experience in this fascinating and demanding field. He also deeply values the opportunity to help people in need and to make a meaningful difference in the community he calls home.

Outside of SAR, Allen enjoys nature photography, sea kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountaineering. His passion for the outdoors extends into additional volunteer work as well. He serves with the nonprofit Mount St. Helens Institute as a climbing and hiking steward and as a guest interpretive geologist on guided adventure programs.

One thing Allen didn’t expect when he first joined SAR was just how long he would remain involved. He appreciates that SAR uniquely allows members to continue contributing as they age, and he feels especially fortunate to have met, trained with, and bonded alongside so many dedicated and caring teammates over the years.

When it comes to favorite SAR memories, Allen has many—but the ones he cherishes most are the successful searches where he knows his efforts helped reunite a lost person with their waiting family.

We are grateful for Allen’s decades of service, leadership, and the depth of experience he brings to Cowlitz County Search and Rescue. 💙

👉 Support volunteers like Allen by donating to our foul weather gear campaign:
https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Every contribution helps keep our teams safe, prepared, and mission-ready.

These things we do, that others may live.

🚨 Meet Our Search & Rescue Volunteers 🚨

As part of our foul weather gear funding campaign, we’re proud to introduce the dedicated volunteers who answer the call—no matter the weather or terrain.

Your donation helps provide critical foul weather clothing and equipment, allowing our teams to operate safely in the harsh conditions they face on missions.

Our volunteers stand ready 24/7/365, driven by commitment, courage, and service to others.

🐾 ⭐ Meet Calluna ⭐ 🐾
Calluna is one of our newest Search and Rescue team members and is currently in training to become an air-scent search dog. She’s learning how to find people, follow scent trails, and discover all the exciting things that come with SAR work—there’s a lot to sniff, and she takes her job very seriously (most of the time).

Right now, Calluna’s main job is learning, playing, and being adorable while training, supported by her dedicated team of humans at home.

Calluna’s favorite part of SAR? People and sniffing. SAR lets her combine both, making it the perfect job in her book.

One unexpected adventure in her training involved being fitted with a harness and hoisted up a wall with her handler. She wasn’t totally sure about it at first—but once she got going, it turned out to be pretty fun.

Outside of SAR, Calluna participates in obedience and agility classes to keep her mind sharp and support her training. Her absolute favorite thing, though? A big pile of leaves. 🍁

Favorite SAR Story:
Calluna has a favorite team member who keeps “getting lost” in the woods, scrub, and mountains. She always has to find him and make sure he’s safe. She’s found plenty of other people too, but this one seems to wander off more than most. Her handler calls him “Dave.”

We’re excited to watch Calluna grow into her role on the team and are grateful for the joy, energy, and promise she brings to Cowlitz County Search and Rescue. 💙

👉 Support volunteers like Calluna by donating to our foul weather gear campaign:
https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Every contribution helps keep our teams safe, prepared, and mission-ready.

These things we do, that others may live.

🚨 Meet Our Search & Rescue Volunteers 🚨

As part of our foul weather gear funding campaign, we’re proud to introduce the dedicated volunteers who answer the call—no matter the weather or terrain.

Your donation helps provide critical foul weather clothing and equipment, allowing our teams to operate safely in the harsh conditions they face on missions.

Our volunteers stand ready 24/7/365, driven by commitment, courage, and service to others.

⭐ Meet Tyrel Herriges ⭐
Tyrel Herriges is a Cowlitz County Road Construction Inspector who has been serving with Search and Rescue for over 15 years. He brings dedication, grit, and a constant drive to improve to every mission. Tyrel’s favorite part of SAR is pushing himself to build new skills so he can better help others, while also building strong friendships within the team—connections that make every mission more successful.

One unexpected highlight of Tyrel’s SAR experience was riding in a Navy helicopter during an extraction—an adventure he definitely didn’t see coming and one that quickly became a favorite memory.

Tyrel comes from a family deeply rooted in public service. He and his wife, along with their two children, all serve the public in their own ways. He’s also a proud grandfather to two amazing grandchildren who keep life full and meaningful.

When he’s not training, responding to calls, or spending time outdoors hunting, Tyrel enjoys woodworking, metal fabrication, and tackling just about any design challenge that comes his way.

Most Memorable SAR Story:
One of Tyrel’s most impactful rescues involved pushing a search team to its limits in extreme cold conditions. The subject was so hypothermic they couldn’t stand on their own. Despite battling the cold themselves, the team focused on warming the subject enough to slowly guide them—through two feet of snow and down a questionable trail—to a waiting ambulance. The mission ended in a successful rescue and served as a powerful reminder of teamwork and perseverance.

Favorite SAR Memory:
Riding in a helicopter during an extraction—hands down.

We are grateful for Tyrel’s years of service, leadership, and the steady determination he brings to Cowlitz County Search and Rescue. 💙

👉 Support volunteers like Tyrel by donating to our foul weather gear campaign:
https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Every contribution helps keep our teams safe, prepared, and mission-ready.

These things we do, that others may live.

Congratulations to Deputy Justin Taylor on your retirement! Justin has been a vital part of our Search and Rescue Team and has logged many hours on searches as well as his accomplishments with the Sheriff's Office. Thank you for helping make CCSAR a successful team and we will miss you! (Congratulations to Shelley too!)

🚨 **Search & Rescue Callout – Longview** 🚨

Last night, Cowlitz County Search & Rescue was called out to assist the **Longview Police Department** in the search for a missing dementia patient who had walked away from a memory care facility on **3rd Avenue in Longview**.

SAR teams responded quickly and were deployed to assist with the search. A short time after our arrival, the gentleman was **successfully located by a Longview Police Department officer**. We’re very happy to report he was found **safe** and returned to the facility where he lives.

Although our teams had just been deployed, we had a **fantastic turnout** from our volunteers—always ready to respond when the call comes in.

This incident is an important reminder that **searches don’t always happen deep in the wilderness**. Many searches occur right here in town, in neighborhoods and business districts.

📢 **How you can help:**
Be sure to sign up for **Hyper-Reach emergency alerts through Cowlitz County DEM**. These reverse 911 notifications help SAR and law enforcement by quickly sharing information with the public—giving us more eyes on the ground and increasing the chances of a fast, safe recovery in urban searches.
👉 Sign up here: https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=99002

🧥 **Support Our Team:**
Our volunteers respond in all weather conditions. If you’d like to help us raise funds for much-needed **coats and foul weather gear**, please consider donating here:
👉 https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Thank you to our volunteers and our partners at Longview PD for the teamwork that makes outcomes like this possible. 💙

🚨 **Meet Our Search & Rescue Volunteers** 🚨

As part of our foul weather gear funding campaign, we’re proud to introduce the dedicated volunteers who answer the call—no matter the weather or terrain.

Your donation helps provide critical foul weather clothing and equipment, allowing our teams to operate safely in the harsh conditions they face on missions.

Our volunteers stand ready 24/7/365, driven by commitment, courage, and service to others.

⭐ **Meet Michael Gentry** ⭐
Michael Gentry brings a lifetime of service, teamwork, and dedication to everything he does. He is a retired Deputy Sheriff from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, where he proudly served for 24 years. During his career, Michael worked in the jail, Court Services, and spent the majority of his time in the Patrol Division.

Originally from Vancouver, Washington, Michael was raised with strong values that led him to join the United States Marine Corps in 1993. After completing his service, he returned briefly to Vancouver before making Colorado his home.

Michael is passionate about helping others and values being part of a close-knit team. He especially appreciates the camaraderie found through Search and Rescue. In addition to SAR, Michael volunteers with the Bloom Team in Castle Rock and is an active member of American Legion Post #175, where he also serves as an Honor Guard member. Through the Honor Guard, he has participated in parades, veteran funerals, and community service efforts such as providing Thanksgiving meals to those in need.

Outside of service, Michael enjoys archery hunting, camping with his wife, and hiking with friends. When he’s not outdoors, you’ll likely find him reading—or embracing his self-proclaimed status as a gamer geek.

We are grateful for Michael’s continued commitment to service and the experience, leadership, and heart he brings to our team. 💙

👉 **Support volunteers like Michael by donating to our foul weather gear campaign:**

https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Every contribution helps keep our teams safe, prepared, and mission-ready.

**These things we do, that others may live.**

Thank you to our law enforcement partners. We appreciate you!

🚨 **Foul Weather Gear Fundraiser** 🚨

Search & Rescue in the **Pacific Northwest** is not for the faint of heart. Our volunteers respond in **cold rain, heavy wind, snow, and rapidly changing weather**—often in rugged terrain where conditions can turn dangerous in minutes.

Many of our missions take place in and around the **Mount St. Helens area**, where elevation, exposure, volcanic terrain, and unpredictable weather create some of the most challenging search environments in the region. Proper foul weather gear isn’t a luxury—it’s essential to keeping our volunteers safe while they work to bring others home.

💙 **Your donation helps equip our Search & Rescue volunteers with critical foul weather clothing and gear so they can operate safely, no matter the conditions.**

👉 **Donate here:**
https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Every contribution directly supports the safety of volunteers who stand ready **24/7/365** to respond when our community needs them most.

**These things we do, that others may live.**

🚨 Meet Our Search & Rescue Volunteers 🚨

As part of our foul weather gear funding campaign, we’re proud to introduce the dedicated volunteers who answer the call—no matter the weather or terrain.

Your donation helps provide critical coats and foul weather clothing and equipment, allowing our teams to operate safely in the harsh conditions they face on missions.

Our volunteers stand ready 24/7/365, driven by commitment, courage, and service to others.

⭐ Meet Lynna Dorman Nitteberg Haan ⭐
Lynna has been a dedicated member of Cowlitz County Search and Rescue since 2015. Trained to find help and save people, she responds to a wide range of situations—from life-or-death emergencies to helping someone through what may simply be the worst day of their life. Along the way, Lynna never expected to gain such deep knowledge of survival skills and the many resources that can make the difference when someone needs help most.

Beyond SAR, Lynna is a single mother of five young adults and a proud grandmother of two. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and that sense of care and responsibility carries over into her work with Search and Rescue.

Climbing mountains, hiking, and backpacking are Lynna’s true passions. As the great-granddaughter of two of the original Tacoma Mountaineers, she likes to think her love for the mountains might be genetic. Over the years, she has stood on many summits, including Mt. Shasta, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Old Snowy, and several smaller peaks.

Looking ahead, Lynna has an exciting year planned. One of her most meaningful goals is helping her mom reach the summit of Mt. St. Helens for her very first climb. She will also be making her third attempt on Mt. Rainier and may take on Mt. Baker and Mt. Whitney with her climbing friends and family.

When asked about her favorite memories with Cowlitz SAR, Lynna says she can’t choose just one. Every call, every mission, and every story holds deep meaning. She is part of a team of truly good-hearted people—those who willingly leave their homes at three in the morning to search for someone lost in a snowstorm, or step away from a Thanksgiving dinner to help bring closure to a family missing a loved one.

What Lynna carries with her most from Cowlitz County Search and Rescue is the humanity she sees in her teammates—people from all walks of life who put their differences aside to help a stranger. To her, the very best parts of humanity are on display in those moments. She cherishes every memory and every story with this team and will carry them with her forever. 💙

👉 Support volunteers like Lynna by donating to our foul weather gear campaign:
https://cowlitzsar.ejoinme.org/foulgear

Every contribution helps keep our teams safe, prepared, and mission-ready.

These things we do, that others may live.