Skamania County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue

Help Us Rebuild After Devastating Theft

Two nights ago, after completing a grueling 3-day mission starting Christmas morning to recover the remains of two lost hikers, thieves targeted our Search and Rescue team. While our exhausted volunteers were finally resting at home, our storage yard was broken into. Thieves cut through a 10-foot barbed wire fence and stole critical lifesaving equipment from our trailers.

While we are proudly affiliated with the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, our Search and Rescue organization is a completely independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We receive no funding from federal, state, or local governments. Every piece of equipment, every training, and every mission is made possible by generous donations from supporters like you. All of our rescuers are 100% volunteers with no paid staff.

The loss is devastating. Over the past 8 weeks, we’ve responded to 7 missions, but now we are struggling to remain mission-ready.

The stolen items include:

This expensive First Responder equipment isn’t just “gear”—it’s what enables us to save lives. Without it, we risk being unable to respond to emergencies like stranded hikers, river rescues, or fallen climbers.

Our SAR team has faced significant challenges in securing insurance coverage. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find a broker willing to insure us due to the small size of our team and the specialized nature of our operations. As a result, our equipment is not insured.

What Additional Funding Above Our Goal Will Support:

Any donations exceeding our immediate goal to replace stolen equipment will be invested in further strengthening our Search and Rescue capabilities and strengthening our storage facility security to prevent future thefts, including reinforced barriers, surveillance systems, and alarm systems. Every dollar beyond the goal helps us better serve our community and protect lives. Your incredible generosity and support make all the difference!

Who We Are:

We are Skamania County Search and Rescue, an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit. While we work alongside the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, we receive no government funding. Every mission, every piece of equipment, and every training is made possible by donations from generous supporters like you.

Our team consists of 40 volunteers who selflessly donate their own time, money, and personal equipment. Specialty teams include ground search, technical ropes rescue, swiftwater rescue, medical, drones, K9s, eMotos. Our area of responsibility ranges from the Columbia River Gorge to areas north of Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams in Southwest Washington, 1,683 square miles of rugged mountainous terrain.

How You Can Help:

Donate Today: Your donation will directly replace the stolen equipment so we can continue saving lives.

Spread the Word: Share this story with your friends, family, and community.

Our most recent mission: https://apnews.com/article/sasquatch-search-men-die-washington-oregon-3ab2a21c723e96f327b1f3fa53a1658e

Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/scsosar

If you have any information about the burglary, please contact the Skamania County Sheriff's Office at [phone redacted] (CASE#: 24-09035).

Every dollar counts. With your help, we can rebuild and ensure no call for help goes unanswered. Thank you for standing with us during this critical time.

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