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E-MAIL
SGT. GONSER
In the past, most water related
incidents in Skamania County were handled by Deputy Sheriffs. When
Deputies have not been available, and/or lengthy operations occur, outside
resources have been utilized. Due to the increasing number of water related
incidents, for example, drowning, crime scene evidence dives, recovering stolen property, and
other search and rescue operations, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Department
has developed a Volunteer Dive Rescue program to supplement the Law Enforcement
Divers.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s
Dive Rescue Team consists of full time Sworn Law Enforcement Officers and
Volunteers throughout the region. The Dive Rescue Team is supervised by Sgt.
Arne Gonser of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant Team Leader
Dan Fahrni of Carson, Washington.
The Skamania County Volunteer
Divers are a non-profit group and rescue equipment is supplied by the individual
diver. All Divers are required to complete a Certified Dive Rescue Class through
a national organization and be certified in First Aid and CPR. Divers have
regular
in-service training, consisting of search patterns, underwater
investigations, body recoveries, repelling, and others.
All Dive Team members are cross designated through the
Department of Emergency Management to perform Search and Rescue missions in both
Washington and Oregon.
Any persons interested in becoming
a member of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team must meet the
following minimum standards:
1) Complete and submit a Skamania
County Sheriff’s Dive Rescue application
2) Be a Certified Diver though a
National Scuba Organization
3) Certified as / or working towards
certification in Advanced Rescue Dive Qualifications
4) Have a complete set of scuba
equipment with current inspections
5) Be in good physical condition and
capable of handling stressful situations
6) Be a team player and work well
with others
7) Be able to work in inclement
weather, cold and murky water, and rough terrain
8) Diver must obtain Department of
Emergency Management Card if accepted.
9) Certified in First Aid and CPR or
willing to obtain
10) 18 years or older, with a valid driver's
license
Applicant interviews and oral
boards will be scheduled once application and background checks have been
completed.
Any persons interested in providing
volunteer emergency services for the Skamania County Sheriff’s Department
Rescue Dive Team can contact Sgt. Gonser at the Skamania County Sheriff's
Office.
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