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2023-2024 RECRUITING IS CLOSED

THE COST

The training provided by MCSOSAR is not available elsewhere in such a comprehensive manner. There are however some inherent costs involved in continued operation of an unfunded unpaid organization. New members are asked to pay New Membership Dues of $200. This money covers an issued First Aid kit, uniform shirts, good quality compass, and food for most meals during our training outings. After certification, returning members pay an annual membership of $80 which goes directly towards meals through the upcoming training season.

ALL MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE—DO NOT PAY UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED

WHO CAN JOIN?

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue (MCSOSAR) is seeking dedicated, highly motivated young adult volunteers that are at least 14 years old.

MCSOSAR is recruiting for our annual class. Training will begin in October 2023 and run through early May 2024. Each year, our members donate thousands of hours to help make the remote areas of Multnomah County safer for those who live and recreate here. Our primary function is to perform ground searches in Multnomah County, including finding lost hikers, hunters, climbers, skiers, children, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. As an organization focused on youth development and leadership, we also provide opportunities for local youth to build self-esteem, confidence, interpersonal skills, lasting friendships, and gain experience in leadership positions with real world responsibilities. Officer and leadership positions over our general membership are entirely staffed by volunteer high-school-aged youth, both in training and live missions.

We invite you to attend our orientation meetings to learn more about our team, our process, and the training year. Training begins October 4, 2023, with training every Wednesday evening, and field training one weekend a month.

THE TRAINING

We begin our annual training program for recruit members in October. Training consists of weekly classroom or virtual meetings from 7:00-9:00PM, and monthly field outings where we spend a weekend training in the field. No wilderness experience is necessary to join, we will give you the skills to become a successful searcher, and an asset to your community. Our program teaches new members everything they need to know to earn their Oregon State Search & Rescue Type III Certification.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Searching: Search training includes the four primary wilderness search types (Hasty/trail, open grid, closed grid, and evidence), basic search theory, operating as a search team member, and searching in an urban environment.

Rescue Techniques: Members learn rescue techniques such as patient packaging, medical assessment, first-aid, CPR+AED, litter carry, rough land evacuation, and helicopter extraction procedures.

Navigation: Map reading skills are essential to Search & Rescue. You will learn how to navigate with map, compass and handheld GPS.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Survival gear, and search packs are purchased by-in-large by the individual members. They are responsible for their upkeep, maintenance, and ready status. Much of our equipment list is standard camping gear. Due to the nature of our work, and the versatility required to operate in a broad variety of conditions, we have specific requirements beyond the average hiker, but nothing is out of place or would have no use outside of SAR. Do not start purchasing equipment until you have been accepted. A smaller set of equipment is noted in the sheet below as required prior to the first training outing. 

MCSOSAR REQUIRED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

To keep cost reasonable and manageable for our volunteers, MCSOSAR maintains unit equipment for some expensive items like handheld GPS units, helmets, and radios for communications that are issued as needed.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Anyone is welcome to attend our orientation meetings for information about our unit and training program. Incoming classes have limited seats. New members are asked to fill out the appropriate application completely and truthfully. Digital applications were due by Thursday, September 21, 2023. 

2023 YOUTH APPLICATION
2023 ADULT APPLICATION

Interviews with applicants will be scheduled and conducted by our Advisors and Officers. The results of those interviews in conjunction with application submissions will be used for final selection prior to the start of our training year.

If you have already submitted an application, please ensure you have completed the medical history and background checks below.
2023 NEW MEMBER MEDICAL HISTORY

MCSO BACKGROUND CHECK FORM
This form must be filled out and delivered to our SAR Coordinator Sgt Brian Gerkman at the Troutdale Sheriff's office by Noon Friday 9/22
234 SW Kendall Ct, Troutdale, OR 97060

Please email recruiting@mcsosar.org if you have additional questions.