The Sheriff's Office is supported by five distinct volunteer organizations. These groups are comprised of citizens who volunteer their time to become trained in whichever discipline they select. The volunteers then participate in those activities as necessary and when available. The volunteer organizations maintained by the Sheriff are: Reserve Deputy Program, Search and Rescue Team, Mounted Posse, Emergency Management Volunteers and Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
All volunteers must pass criminal background and personal reference checks to qualify. Once accepted, the volunteer must complete the training required and then regularly participate in the groups activities. Generally 10 to 12 hours per month is required as a minimum time commitment.
The volunteer organizations are a part of the Sheriff's Office and are not merely a club that volunteers. Each volunteer is issued an Identification Card that identifies them as a member of a Wasco County Sheriff's Office volunteer group. Participation as a volunteer is a great way to contribute to the community, learn new skills and assist during natural disasters or community functions.
Each group is assigned a Coordinator to be the liaison between the Sheriff's Office and the group. The Coordinator provides direction to the group and assists with developing or arranging for training.
Reserve Deputies
Reserve deputy volunteers must complete the same background and testing criteria that is required of anyone applying for a paid Deputy Sheriff position. Reserve Deputies assist and perform the same duties as a Deputy. Many people enter a Reserve program to gain experience to become a full time paid law enforcement officer.
New Reserves must complete a basic Reserve Academy presented through Columbia Gorge Community College. They then ride with regular Deputies and participate in all calls and activities. Additional and on-going training is provided. Reserve Deputies are called upon to provide traffic control functions, assist with large public events or during disasters.
Sheriff's Volunteer Search & Rescue Team
The Search & Rescue Team (SAR) trains in a variety of specialized disciplines with the mission of assisting those in need during a wildland or outdoor emergency. Rope climbing, swift water rescue, tracking, first aid and communications are just a few of the opportunities available to volunteers.
Specially trained units within the team provide expanded capabilities. Some of these units are the winter team (snowmobiles), swift water rescue and the trackers. The county owns and maintains a wide variety of equipment for use during SAR missions, including snowmobiles, watercraft, ATV's and four wheel drive vehicles.
A new member must complete the requirements of the Oregon State Sheriff's Association Search and Rescue Standards. This basic training provides students with knowledge about search techniques, map and compass navigation, use of GPS, first aid and survival skills to name just a few. More specialized training is available to members as they become more involved in the program. All required training is provided.
Mounted Posse
The Sheriff's Mounted Posse represents the Sheriff's Office during community events. Members participate in parades and provide a visible presence at other public gatherings. Members are also occasionally called on to assist with Search & Rescue.
Members must provide their own horse and tack. Training is available for Search & Rescue and members often attend training offered by the Portland Police Bureau.
Emergency Management Volunteers
Emergency Management is responsible for providing an Emergency Operations Center during natural or man-made disasters. EM Volunteers are trained and familiar with the operation of the EOC and assist Emergency Response Command Personnel during times when the EOC is required. The volunteers also may take on a long term project of their choosing to facilitate the readiness of the Emergency Operation Center.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Members of Amateur Radio Emergency Service are Ham Radio Operators who volunteer to assist with emergency communication needs during a disaster. The ARES group is associated with Emergency Management and maintain a communications center at the Emergency Operations Center. The group is also equipped for mobile operations. Emergency Management has been instrumental in acquiring state of the art for emergency communications through grants.