Description
4x4 Search and Rescue has been active in King County since 1964. A group of men saw a need to assist others in looking for lost or injured hikers and outdoors enthusiasts who were up logging roads in the mountains or otherwise "away from civilization." They approached the King County Police with this idea and as a result, 4X4 became a reality.
Growing from a group with limited training and small vehicles (mostly Jeeps), 4X4 currently has around 100 members who are mission ready. This unit's primary mission is to provide transportation to other search and rescue organizations through the use of all-wheel terrain vehicles that are capable of negotiating terrain that would not be passable by conventional vehicles. This unit is also capable of conducting night road searches, traffic control, radio relay, and helicopter support.
Members are trained using their own vehicle in off-road driving, drive a variety of vehicles, and take an active role in King County Search and Rescue Association (KCSARA) functions. Members are highly skilled in using electronic equipment to locate downed aircraft, in wilderness and off-road navigation, and in radio communications. Many members are part of KCSARA's Electronic Locating Transmitter (ELT) team. Members from 4X4 also respond to disaster situations in the community by providing transportation and communications services. The 4X4 unit has expanded its role to assist the King County Sheriff's Office with Incident Command System (ICS) needs.
Community members are encouraged to join 4X4 if they have a desire to help others, have a willingness to be a team member and team player, and will support and further the goals and objectives of search and rescue in King County. Members may drive their own vehicles, may act as observers in vehicles on missions, may assist and be part of 4X4 base camp personnel, or may lend their support while not being mission active so long as they have an interest in 4X4 activities. We even need members that are willing to drive our command and communication vehicles.
