Umatilla County Search and Rescue

Last week, members of our Rope Rescue Team spent four demanding days earning their Rope Rescue Technician (RRT) certification with Oregon Rescue. RRTs serve as leaders during technical rescue incidents, building complex vertical and horizontal hauling systems, managing patient packaging, and directing advanced high-angle rescue operations.

Training alongside Union County Search & Rescue and Wallowa County Search and Rescue in La Grande provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships and improve interoperability between our teams. These partnerships enhance our ability to respond effectively throughout Umatilla County and provide mutual aid support to neighboring counties when needed.

The certification course was physically and mentally challenging, requiring long days of intensive hands-on training. We are grateful for the support of our donors, grant funding, and the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, whose investment makes training opportunities like this possible and helps ensure our search and rescue volunteers are prepared for the most complex rescue missions.

MISSING PERSON LOCATED SAFE

Mickey Dean Cearns has been located and returned to his family this morning.

This outcome follows an extensive, four day Search and Rescue operation led by the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, with support from SAR teams across eastern Oregon.

Mr. Cearns, a 69 year old from Stanfield, went missing on May 3rd during a family mushroom hunting trip in the area north of Mount Emily Snow Park.

Over the course of the four day search, trained volunteer ground search teams covered steep and arduous terrain, managing dense vegetation and large blowdown sections hiking thousands of miles as they searched the area.

Ground teams worked alongside skilled drone operators from Umatilla, Wallowa and Union County who provided critical aerial support, while K-9 teams assisted in tracking efforts. Air support included Life Flight, helped survey the area from above. SAR teams from Baker, Grant, Union, and Wallowa Counties worked side by side in a unified effort, rotating personnel and maintaining continuous operations.

This was a true team effort, demonstrating the strength of coordination, dedication, and perseverance across agencies and communities.

Thank you to all of the volunteers, partner agencies, and community members who supported this mission and made this successful outcome possible.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
Union County Search & Rescue
Wallowa County Search and Rescue
Grant County Search and Rescue
Baker County Search and Rescue

Union County Sheriff's Office
Grant County Sheriff's Office
Baker County Sheriff's Office
Wallowa County Sheriff's Office
Life Flight Network
U.S. Forest Service - Umatilla National Forest

On March 8, 2026, at 1537 hrs, Umatilla County Search and Rescue received a forwarded call from Union County regarding two individuals stranded in the mountains after traveling into the area the evening prior (March 7) with inadequate fuel, limited knowledge of the terrain, and insufficient supplies.

The subjects, a 57 year old male and a 63 year old female, had run out of fuel on NF 2110 east of NF 5427. GPS coordinates for their location were provided.

One subject left the vehicle in an attempt to gain cell service and successfully contacted 911. The second subject remained with the vehicle due to limited mobility. The individual who walked out was unable to return to the vehicle due to physical limitations.

Additional assistance came from two individuals in the area. One Good Samaritan stayed with the subject who made the 911 call, built a fire, provided food, helped maintain communication with the second subject, and stayed in contact with a deputy, actions that made a significant difference in the outcome of this incident.

Responding search and rescue personnel deployed with two pickups and UTVs. Upon arrival, SAR members found the roads to be more accessible than expected. At 1831 hrs, SAR members made contact with the male subject in his vehicle. He was provided food, water, fuel, and a jump start. Shortly after, the second subject was located and also provided food and water.

The couple was safely reunited and escorted out, following SAR units back to Pilot Rock.

This incident is a strong reminder of how quickly conditions can change and the importance of being prepared when traveling in remote areas. We also want to recognize the critical role that bystanders played in assisting until help arrived.

Stay safe, travel prepared, and always let someone know your plans.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

On March 21, 2026, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 60 year old male experiencing a medical emergency on Bobsled Ridge south of Bar M Ranch. The Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, a Umatilla Tribal Police Officer, and a Umatilla County Sheriff Deputy responded immediately. Due to the challenging terrain, Umatilla County Search and Rescue was also dispatched to assist.

Two individuals who were with the patient began CPR and continued their efforts until first responders arrived on scene. Despite everyone’s best efforts, the individual tragically passed away.

Umatilla Search and Rescue assisted with safely returning the gentleman to his family through the evening and into the early hours of this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Bar M Ranch, and the many volunteers on scene. Your support and teamwork were invaluable in ensuring the safety of all involved and bringing this mission to completion.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Members of Umatilla County Search and Rescue along with members from Wallowa County Search and Rescue had the opportunity to attend an outstanding Rope Rescue Training hosted by Union County Search & Rescue at Riverside Park in La Grande this past weekend.

The all day training focused on high lines and tripod systems and provided hands-on instruction covering quick setup of hand lines, high lines, flying “W” systems, tripod setup and stability, and dual-line systems configured both equally loaded and single loaded.

This was one of the best rope rescue trainings we have attended. Throughout the day we used nearly every piece of rope and gear we had while building and running these systems. The practical, hands-on instruction made it an extremely valuable training experience. The training also created an environment for those attending to build familiarity and trust as the potential of supporting each other on a mission is always present.

While it was a lot of information for some of our newer members, it was an incredible learning opportunity and a great way to continue building our rope rescue capability.

Thank you to Union County SAR for hosting such a high quality training and helping strengthen SAR teams across the region.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office
Union County Sheriff's Office

Thank you for your support!

A HUGE THANK YOU to Blue Mountain Insurance Professionals for a donation of $5,000.00 to the Umatilla County Search and Rescue (UMASAR Foundation) for Umatilla County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Volunteers. Blue Mountain Insurance Professionals provide grants, donations and scholarships to various community organizations. Scott Sager with Blue Mountain Insurance Professionals presented the check at the Sheriff's office yesterday. For more information on the UMASAR Foundation, including how to donate, or become a volunteer, check out their website at https://umasarfoundation.org/.

On May 30, 2025 at 17:37 Umatilla County Search and Rescue was activated to assist the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office in a ground evidence search related to the discovery of a deceased male. After investigation, no foul play was determined.

Not every mission involves a time-sensitive rescue. In this case, our team applied the same rigorous search techniques and documentation protocols to support the Sheriff's Office in gathering and preserving potential critical evidence.


Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

On May 14, 2025 at about 19:50 hours, a stranded motorist reported being stuck in the snow with another subject and 4 dogs on Road 64 northeast of Langdon Lake.

They reported having some food and fuel in the truck and planned to keep it running to stay warm. The subjects were unresponsive to follow up calls.

With two UTVs in tow Umatilla County Search and Rescue deputies headed towards the last known location. At about 23:00 the subjects with four dogs were located approximately 1 mile past the last known location safe and warm in the truck. The truck was slightly bottomed out and resting on ice. One individual refused to leave the truck, prompting deputies to use creative problem solving. After some effort, they successfully guided the vehicle off the ice and snow.

Once on the main road the subjects headed back home to Walla Walla.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

On May 19, 2025 at about 21:17 hours, a hunter reported he and his hunting partner were stuck in snow on Summit Rd/USFS 31 Rd. in his gray 2021 Polaris Razor.

They reported not being prepared to spend the night in the cold and windy conditions after about 2-3 hours of attempted self rescue. At about 01:53 hours, SAR Deputies located the stranded hunters. Both men sheltered in and huddled for warmth in the open UTV. At about 03:10 hours the two hunters were returned safely to their camp.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

This past weekend Umatilla County Search and Rescue ropes team members completed ongoing training in rope systems and high-angle rescue, with a strong emphasis on team synergy. These dedicated volunteers invest hundreds of hours mastering each discipline within Search and Rescue, all to be ready when you need them most.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office