Multi-agency response exercise in Glenn County

by CrimeVoice Admin , November 12, 2021

Originally published as a Glenn County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post –

“Alder Springs, CA – Glenn County hosted a multi-agency response exercise, SAR Ex, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, in the Mendocino National Forest near Alder Springs. This exercise focused on command and control, communications, and search and rescue operations. The exercise involved 30 participants from Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, Glenn County Office of Emergency Services (OES), Glenn County Search and Rescue, Colusa County Search and Rescue, and California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES).

The exercise involved two scenarios of missing persons. The Search and Rescue teams were briefed on the incidents, practiced interview skills with simulated reporting parties, responded to the scene utilizing off-road vehicles, identified clues and evidence, utilized tracking and investigation skills, assessed the scene and the victim, and completed a safe extrication or rescue of the missing person. The SAR teams maintained communications with the incident command utilizing VHF radio communications. A mobile radio repeater was positioned near the incident to enhance communications in this rugged terrain.

“This exercise tested the operational capabilities of our response organizations,” said Amy Travis, Deputy Director Glenn County OES. “The exercise provided an opportunity to deploy response equipment to the field to ensure its functionality for incident response.”

Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer organization under the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office. Response equipment has been purchased over the past four years under multiple grants to support response capabilities. Three Polaris side-by-side all-terrain vehicles, a Ford F-350 truck, and two Jeep Wranglers were obtained under a US Forest Service funding program which has enhanced the off-road response capabilities of the Sheriff’s Office.

Additionally, the Command Trailer was purchased and equipped with communications equipment by Sheriff’s Office – Office of Emergency Services through grants from Cal-OES and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company. The Command Trailer has enhanced on-scene operations for a variety of incidents from law enforcement investigations to fires to search and rescue.

Volunteers on the Search and Rescue team have generously donated their time installing and equipping the vehicles and trailer with the necessary items such as communications and rescue equipment. “Our volunteers donate countless hours to our Office and to our community,” said Sgt. Jon Owens, Glenn County Sheriff’s Office. “Without our volunteers, the donations, and grants, this program and the service it provides to the community, would not be possible.”

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Multi-agency response exercise in Glenn County was last modified: January 5th, 2023 by admin