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Search and Rescue

The Sheriff's Office coordinates Search And Rescue ("SAR") missions within the unincorporated areas of Kitsap County, Washington. At the request of local police agencies, searches are also coordinated within city limits. Mutual aid for our neighboring counties and national parks is also provided. Typical SAR Missions Searching for:

Missing children, disabled persons, or the elderly in suburban and rural locations.
Searching for hikers, hunters, and other missing persons in forestlands.
Assisting persons who are injured in forest areas not accessible by road.
Searching for missing aircraft and locating radio distress beacons used by aircraft and boats.
Searching for evidence of major crimes in outdoor settings.
Recovering victims of drowning and other marine emergencies.
Assisting with floods and other disasters.

The SAR program consists of six deputies, over 150 members of volunteer organizations, and support staff from the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management. Persons interested in becoming a trained search and rescue volunteer should contact the Department of Emergency Management at (360) 307-5870 or click here.

Volunteer Organizations

Explorer Search and Rescue- "ESAR"

This is an organization comprised of teenage searchers and adult advisors. The primary focus is on general ground search techniques and building leadership skills of youth. They are the most active unit for searches within Kitsap County. The ESAR training program is recognized as beneficial for both teens and adults.

A specialized unit within ESAR is All Breeds Canine Search and Rescue (ABCSAR). As the name implies, all breeds of canines are accepted as long as they have the ability and desire to complete the mission. Due to the partnership with ESAR, ABCSAR is one of the only canine search groups that has youth handlers. ABCSAR members are required to complete the same training as all other ESAR Kitsap members in addition to canine training. Becoming a certified team takes hundreds of hours devoted to training and two types of search dogs are utilized, Trailing and Air Scent.

Olympic Mountain Rescue- "OMR"

This organization focuses on rescue activities in mountainous terrain. Although they are based in Bremerton, Washington; they are most active in the Olympic National Park. It is not uncommon for the OMR members to also lend assistance in other areas of the state.

German Shepherd Search Dogs of Washington- "GSSD"

This is an organization of persons who train themselves and their dogs for detecting human scent in wilderness settings. Although originally founded for German Shepherd dogs, the membership now includes a variety of breeds. The primary county of unit registration is Pierce County, however their members reside and participate in many counties throughout western Washington (including Kitsap County). They are perhaps one of the most active SAR organizations in the state.

Peninsula Mounted Search and Rescue- "PMSAR"

This organization is based in neighboring Pierce County. However, their members also provide assistance to Kitsap County. Their primary function is to assist in searches of forestlands using privately owned horses.

Northwest Bloodhounds- "NWBH"

The bloodhound organization is also based in Pierce County. The members assist in Kitsap County when there is a need to track a missing person's scent trail using specially trained dogs.

Underwater Search and Rescue Volunteers of Kitsap County- "USRV"

USRV is an organization of volunteer scuba divers trained to perform underwater search and recovery missions. Like all of the volunteer organizations, their members supply most all of their own equipment.

Last Updated: January 28, 2011

Chief of Patrol
Gary Simpson

Surviving Without Power

Search & Rescue Supervisor
Sergeant Mark Rufener
email

Search & Rescure Links
OMR
ESAR
PMSAR
USRV
GSSD

If you have an emergency or need a deputy to respond, do not email. Call 911.

If you would like to be notified of new media releases, please contact:
Deputy Scott Wilson
(360) 337-5698
email

Web Coordinator Email

Statewide Victim Information and Notification Program