Dive Rescue Team

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Dive Rescue Team is a 13-person Team comprised of: Thurston County Deputies, Lacey Police Officers, and Lacey Firefighters.

The Dive Rescue Team is equipped with advanced underwater video and communication equipment. Deployable scanning sonar and watercraft of varying size allows the team to access and search most of the bodies of water found in Thurston County, and in the region.

Averaging 25 calls for service each year, the Team responds to water related events such as:

• Drownings
• Submerged vehicles
• Underwater crime scenes
• Flood rescue

Dive Rescue Team Members receive training in:

• Zero visibility diving
• Ice diving
• Evidence recovery
• High/Low angle rope rescue

Primarily staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Thurston County Search and Rescue Council helps the Sheriff’s Office Coordinate Search and Rescue operations within not only Thurston County but throughout the State of Washington.

Search and Rescue Team

The primary mission of all the search and rescue teams is to utilize special skills, tactics and equipment to help find and rescue those who are lost in the outdoors. Ready to respond when the need arises, these dedicated men, women and animals truly embody the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.



Basic Qualifications Include:

• Must be 18 years old at the time of application
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License
• NO felony, domestic violence, harassment, or threat convictions
• Must be able to read, write, and speak clearly
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check through the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office

If you would like to explore Search and Rescue opportunities that are available within Thurston County, please visit the Thurston County SAR website by clicking here: http://thurstoncountysar.org