The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability between agencies to improve field communications, refine logistics, and ensure that teams can quickly establish a unified response during real emergencies

COUGAR — Search and Rescue volunteers from across Southwest Washington came together Saturday, June 13, 2026, for a large-scale joint training exercise designed to strengthen regional emergency response capabilities and improve coordination during complex incidents.

The Tri-County+ Mock Mission brought together 125 volunteers from Silver Star SAR,

Skamania County Sheriff’s Office SAR, Clark County Sheriff’s Office SAR, Cowlitz County

SAR, Volcano Rescue Team, and Refuge Point First Responder Field Support.

Specialty resources included ground search teams, K9 teams, drone operators, mounted units, technical rope rescuers, e-moto bike searchers, communications specialists, aviation locator beacon teams, medical personnel, and logistical support staff. Working within a realistic incident command structure, volunteers trained side-by-side in a simulated aircraft crash scenario requiring a rapid response, coordinated search, rescue, medical care, and patient transport in day and nighttime operations.

The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability between agencies to improve field communications, refine logistics, and ensure that teams can quickly establish a unified response during real emergencies. Training objectives included establishing a unified command structure, testing shared support systems, coordinating search operations across multiple jurisdictions, and practicing medical response procedures under realistic field conditions.

“Search and rescue incidents don’t recognize county boundaries,” said Ron Black, president of Silver Star Search and Rescue. “When someone’s loved one is missing or injured in the backcountry, our communities depend on us to work seamlessly together.

Exercises like this build trust, improve communication, and strengthen the partnerships that allow our volunteers to provide the highest level of service when lives are on the line.”

Joint exercises such as this help ensure that when residents or visitors need assistance in remote areas, local Search and Rescue teams are prepared to respond efficiently, safely, and effectively. They also highlight the dedication of the volunteer responders who invest hundreds of hours each year in training, so they are ready when emergencies occur.

Search and Rescue programs throughout Southwest Washington rely heavily on trained volunteers who donate their time, skills, and expertise to assist law enforcement agencies in locating lost, injured, or stranded individuals. Community support and ongoing training remain essential to maintaining this critical public safety capability.

For information about volunteering or supporting your local Search and Rescue organizations, contact your local SAR team or visit www.silverstarsar.org.