Douglas County approves $223,000 for Search and Rescue vehicle, 2026 support
The $175,000 replacement will serve as a dedicated command post as volunteers respond to missing-person cases, technical rescues and recoveries.
Douglas County commissioners approved $223,000 July 14 for Search and Rescue: $175,000 for a replacement command-post vehicle and $48,000 in 2026 annual support.
The vehicle will replace a 2001 box truck that was used for crime-scene investigations before being repurposed as a Search and Rescue command post in 2004. Chief White said the replacement is intended “specifically as a command post for the search and rescue teams.” A volunteer said it will carry more equipment and improve the team’s work in the field. The commissioners’ meeting video includes the discussion and approval.
The existing truck was described as aging and heavily used. A volunteer said bungee cords were needed to keep generator fumes out of the command center. White said the replacement was delivered in May and was still being updated when he sought the county’s $175,000 payment.
Search and Rescue responded to 157 calls in 2025, White said, primarily involving missing or endangered people, technical rescues and some fatality recoveries. About 72 or 73 volunteers provide round-the-clock assistance, according to the meeting discussion.
Public county budget materials reviewed for this report did not identify a comparable Search and Rescue appropriation for 2024 or 2025, so the available record does not establish whether the $48,000 is new or continues earlier support. Commissioners said they may consider broader support during the upcoming budget process, but no additional amount was approved or formally requested July 14.