Pay it Forward: Deschutes County Search & Rescue
Triton Notary
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– One of the best parts of life in Central Oregon is the great outdoors but when something goes wrong on an adventure, there’s one group our community can always count on: Deschutes County Search and Rescue.
Founded in 1916, the organization is made up of a mix of sheriff’s deputies, paid staff, and dedicated volunteers. Their work covers an incredible range from helping an elderly hiker experiencing a medical emergency, to rescuing climbers, aiding avalanche victims, or even saving injured horses.
“We have canines, we have a mountain rescue unit, we have an air ops unit, a tracking team,” explained Andrew Heide from Deschutes County Search and Rescue. “We do fire evacuations, we help if our community is being flooded. You know, it really runs the gamut of emergencies that we respond to.”
In recognition of their service, KTVZ News, Mid Oregon Credit Union, and Dutch Bros Coffee presented Deschutes County Search and Rescue with $500 through the Pay It Forward program. The group plans to use the gift to help replace safety gear.
For those inspired to get involved, Search and Rescue is holding a public information session on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at their offices. This is a rare chance to learn how to join the team—it only happens once every two years.
Do you know someone making a difference in Central Oregon? You can nominate them—or their organization—for the Pay It Forward program. Just visit the Community tab at ktvz.com.