The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) celebrated a major milestone as a new class of Search and Rescue volunteers marked the start of a critical role within our local public safety system.

The event brought together command staff, families, and supporters to honor the young adults and community members who have committed themselves to serving as part of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team.  

As the primary search and rescue resource for both Multnomah County and the Western Columbia River Gorge, the team plays a critical role in regional emergency response. 

Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell addressed the graduates with a message centered on courage and the quiet strength required of SAR responders. She emphasized that what defines these volunteers is not their age, but their character—a theme woven throughout the ceremony. 

“The SAR team has trained for moments most people hope they never experience,” she said. “It’s in those moments that this entire county relies on them. The impact of what they do will stay with the people they have helped for the rest of their lives.” 

Graduates train for high-stake missions like locating missing or injured hikers, conducting criminal evidence searches, and assisting with emergency evacuations. They work directly alongside deputies, often in challenging terrain and under intense time pressure. 

MCSOSAR is unique in its dual mission. The organization provides expert field response while developing leadership skills in both youth and adult volunteers. Many members begin in their early teens and grow into seasoned responders who carry responsibilities far beyond their years. 

Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell acknowledged that some of the team’s most meaningful work happens without public recognition. Yet, she noted, the people they help will never forget the moment a SAR member reached them—whether in fear, injury, or uncertainty. 

She also spoke candidly about the emotional weight of the work, recognizing that not every mission ends with a rescue. In those moments, she said, families remember the professionalism and compassion of the responders who ensured their loved one was treated with dignity. 

The ceremony also honored the families, advisors, deputies, and volunteers who sustain the program. 

“Programs like this don’t happen by accident,” the sheriff said. “They are built by people who believe deeply in service, mentorship, and the next generation of leaders.” 

Parents and loved ones were thanked for the schedules, the sacrifices, and the trust they place in the program—and in the young people who choose to serve. 

The sheriff closed the ceremony by reminding the graduates that the community needs people who show up, stay calm under pressure, and put others first. 

“Tonight, we celebrate your achievement. Tomorrow, our community will benefit from your courage and your commitment to exemplary public safety service.” 

Learn More 

To explore the work of the team or find ways to support or get involved, visit the MCSOSAR website.