Milestones in the History of PLSAR
Jan 2001 - Initial Formation Meetings to consider forming a SAR Team at Priest Lake in order to:
- Provide a SAR capability with a one hour or less response time
- Improve Community Relations with Bonner County Sheriff's Office (BCSO).
Mar 2001 - Basic SAR Training began and continues monthly. Topics include:
- CRP & Basic First Aid, Map & Compass, Crime Scene & Evidence, Firearms & Use of Force, Haz-Mat Awareness, Helicopter Operations, ICS, NIMS & NRP Procedures, Land-Based Search Management, Marine Boat Operations, Radio Communications Procedures, Rope Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, Winter Wilderness Survival, Wilderness Medicine, and other disciplines.
Jul 2001 - Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce Grant
- The initial grant of $21,500 was used to purchase communications and navigational equipment. This provided the team with basic communications and navigation capabilities, allowing it to operate independently of any other unit. This has been a key to the Team's successes.
Sep 2001 - Operational
- Priest Lake SAR Team (SAR District-1) successfully completed its first SAR Exercise, and was certified operational by the Bonner County Sheriff's Office.
Mar 2002 - Priest Lake Search & Rescue incorporated under Idaho and Federal law:
- To recruit, train, & equip SAR volunteers to assist law enforcement
- For charitable IRS 501(c) (3) purposes. (Letter of Determination received.)
To Present - The Team conducts regular Basic Training for all members monthly. Technical Search and Rescue capabilities include:
- Wilderness and Mountain Navigation & Rescue (all weather - all terrain capable)
- Avalanche Rescue
- Rope Rescue
- Dive Recovery
- Swift Water Rescue / Recovery