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Search and Rescue Academy

Search & Rescue Academy

2027 SAR Academy

We are now accepting applications for the 2027 Search and Rescue Academy.

To request and application, please email specialservices@bentoncountyor.gov.

About the course

This search and rescue academy gives you the chance to learn new skills and earn certification to deploy on missions in Oregon if you join one of our volunteer units. Current and in-process Benton County SAR members will receive priority for the limited seats.

Schedule

The academy lasts 8 weeks and starts each year on the first Thursday in March. Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Attendance

You must attend all field exercises. To graduate, you need at least 93% attendance.

If you already have a certificate showing you are trained in a certain topic, you may be excused from that class if you cannot attend. To request this, please contact specialservices@bentoncountyor.gov.

Minors

The academy is designed for adults, but anyone age 16 or older can join.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form. They must also attend the course with you.

You will also need to complete and sign the SAR Academy Minor Participation Authorization form along with your other registration materials. To request this, please contact specialservices@bentoncountyor.gov.

Prerequisites

If you are accepted into the class, you must complete three online FEMA Incident Command System courses—ICS 100, 200, and 700—before the academy starts.

You must also have current CPR and First Aid certifications by the first day of class. Refresher courses can be taken online through the American Heart Association. An optional CPR skills class will be offered on Feb. 15, 2027.

The cost of the CPR skills class is $40. Please email for more information.

Fee

The cost of SAR Academy is $175. This covers books and course materials.

Register

Email the Special Services Program Specialist at specialservices@bentoncountyor.gov to check if space is available or to ask questions.

The following curriculum will be covered during the SAR course and other topics may be added:

  • Introduction to SAR, Oregon SAR laws, and Benton County SAR Plan
  • Search strategies, tracking, and K-9 resources
  • Communications and clothing & equipment
  • SkySAR and distress alert beacons
  • SARGAR, knots, and search leadership
  • Wilderness navigation: maps, GPS, and field exercise
  • Lost subject behavior and SAR Topo
  • Equine resources and medical day
  • Environmental injuries and rescue techniques
  • Crime scene hazard protocols and ethics
  • Fire, shelter, water, and signaling field exercise

Apply

Request a volunteer application from specialservices@bentoncountyor.gov.

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