May 22, 2025 6:20 a.m.   

Douglas County Commissioners celebrated National Search & Rescue Week by issuing a proclamation at their weekly business meeting on Wednesday.

A county release said the proclamation recognizes the incredible dedication of volunteer rescuers and rescue personnel in Douglas County and across the nation.

Commissioner Tim Freeman provided a background on the Douglas County Search and Rescue program. Commissioner Chris Boice then read the National Search & Rescue Week proclamation followed by Commissioner Tom Kress who presented certificates to Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, SAR Deputy Larissa May and over a dozen Search & Rescue volunteers.

The release said volunteers within the county SAR operate under the direction of the Sheriff’s Office, with the support of the Board of Commissioners. SAR members donate their time, skills, and expertise to help those in need. Local SAR volunteers completed 97 missions in 2024, utilizing 83 volunteers who donated 9,560 hours of their time. They also participated in 40 outreach/education events and conducted 147 training exercises. The Douglas County SAR Dive Team, made up of 7 members, logged 25 mission and 32 training hours. SAR volunteers train and complete required certifications for these SAR units in the county: Communications Team, Mounted Team, Ground Team, 4×4 Team, Snow Cat Team, Dive Team, K-9 Team, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team, Logistics Team, Mountain Rescue Team and Tracking Team.

A copy of the commissioner’s live video presentation can be found at the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment