The Washington County Sheriff's Office is on the lookout for fresh faces to join its elite Search and Rescue team, and the opportunity is now open to the young and spirited of the community. In a recent public announcement detailed on the Sheriff's Office website, the department is accepting applications from teenagers who are keen to learn and ready to serve.
An elite team that insists on its members bringing a positive community record and the rigor of good physical health is seeking applicants aged 14 to 17. As heralds of assistance, when folks lose their bearings or when traces of significant crimes need unearthing, these young volunteers answer the call. The aspiring search and rescue volunteers from Washington County should carry a minimum 2.3 GPA—a testimony to the program's commitment to academic diligence alongside physical and civic preparedness.
According to the Sheriff's Office post, this program is not only about finding the lost or gathering evidence. It’s an apprenticeship in life skills, opening windows into future careers in law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and emergency medical services. The invitation also extends to potential members to witness firsthand the inner workings of such vital services, with the program enjoying statewide acclaim among law enforcement agencies.
Engagement with the program requires more than a fleeting commitment; a minimum two-year stint with these guardians of the lost is a foundational expectation. With basic training academy included, young people will be seasoned for the tasks ahead—be it scouring for the lost, aiding the hurt, or piecing together the puzzles left by downed aircraft. For those nurturing the seed of interest, the Sheriff's Office will be hosting information sessions to whet your curiosity and guide you through the application process, detailed on their official announcement.
For Washington County's teenagers who feel the call to action, two chances in March are offered to learn more: on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7 pm, and again on Saturday, March 7, at 10 am and 5 pm, all at the Sheriff's Office located at 215 SW Adams Ave, Hillsboro. Interested candidates should mark their calendars and ensure they apply by the March 20 deadline. More details on the application process and requirements can be found by visiting the Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue program page.
