Baker County Search and Rescue receives $10,000 for equipment and training
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, August 9th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — Despite being on the front lines in the efforts to protect people and property from the wildfires raging across Baker County for nearly a month, the Sheriff’s Office has a reason to celebrate.
The Baker County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (BCSO SAR) has been awarded the Rocky Talkie 2024 Search & Rescue Award. The award, which recognizes five search and rescue organizations nationwide, provides $10,000 in funding for equipment purchases or technical team training.
BCSO SAR will utilize the grant to replace outdated rope rescue equipment and will host an instructor to provide advanced technical rope rescue training for the team.
“We are grateful to be selected as the Rocky Talkie SAR Award recipient. These funds will provide excellent training opportunities, which can be costly for small teams,” said Sheriff Travis Ash. “This grant award will not only benefit our local SAR but ultimately the community at large.”
Baker County SAR applied for the Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award in January. This annual grant, offered in partnership with the American Alpine Club, aims to support underfunded teams and raise awareness of search and rescue efforts.
In October 2023, Baker SAR volunteers partnered with Oregon Rescue LLC to provide local training for the rope rescue team. Eight SAR members completed 40 hours of hands-on training and scenarios, earning the Operator Level Certification in Technical Rope Rescue. The Rocky Talkie funding will enable these members to expand their skill set and pursue Technician Level Certification.
The remaining funds were allocated to updating rope rescue equipment.
