Page 32 - 2018 WCSO ANNUAL REPORT HTML5 ONLY
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EXPLORE WITH US
Located approximately 20 miles west of Shortly after the post began, Sheriff Barnes
Portland, Washington County makes up most saw a need for a ground search and rescue
of the Tualatin Valley. The 726 square miles team in Washington County. Explorers were
which comprise the county are bordered by the a logical choice. Through the years, explorers
Oregon Coast Range to the west, the Columbia have participated in hundreds of missions
River to the north and the West Hills separating throughout Oregon and Washington. Now
the valley from Portland. Home to the most with both young men and women represented,
diverse county in Oregon and the second Explorer Post 877 is one of only a few programs
most populated, the landscape of Washington in the country that fills the dual roles of Search
County is just as diverse – growing urban areas, and Rescue plus Law Enforcement.
agricultural lands, forests as well as home to
large tech companies and bodies of water. Today’s Explorers
The diverse landscape is largely what makes WCSO’s Search and Rescue Explorer Post 877
our area so special, that is why we find having combines the best of many worlds to offer
a highly trained group of explorers standing an amazing program to youth ages 14 to
ready to help as the primary ground Search and 21. The outstanding reputation earned and
Rescue team for Washington County crucial to maintained by the post comes from both the
supporting community safety.
high personal and professional standards met
by all of our members. Their skills and services
A Rich History Rooted in Washington County
are often called upon by police agencies
Established in 1966, Explorer Post 877 is one throughout Oregon. Explorers are actively
of the oldest Law Enforcement Search and involved in search missions for lost people,
Rescue Explorer programs in the United States. downed aircraft and evidence in major crimes.
Beginning as a recruitment opportunity for
young men to view the inner workings of law Beyond the high level of training explorers
enforcement operations, the program was receive to help the agency’s operations,
chartered with the Boy Scouts of America by Explorer Post 877 offers unique insight into
Sheriff Warren “Bud” Barnes. Explorer Post 877 the exciting career fields of Law Enforcement,
was one of the first law enforcement explorer Search and Rescue and Emergency Medical
programs and today is one of the longest Services.
running of such programs in the nation.
MISSION
Provide a safe, challenging and comprehensive opportunity for young
adults to serve the community as members of the Sheriff’s Search
and Rescue team and explore law enforcement as a career.

