KCSO Uses new SAR equipment to locate and assist back country rider

26-Hours after purchasing a new tracked side-by-side rescue vehicle, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office put it to work on a Search and Rescue mission near Chiloquin.

Last Friday, Klamath County 9-1-1 received a call reporting Darrell Blackwell, 80, was stuck in the snow on an ATV near Saddle Mountain Pit Road in the Chiloquin area. Deputies responded but was limited due to the snow depth. Klamath County Search & Rescue (SAR) was then called in to assist in locating and rescuing Blackwell.

SAR Deployed a tracked side-by-side rescue vehicle to locate Blackwell. Blackwell was found on USFS Road 5850 with his stuck ATV.

The SAR team freed the stuck ATV and drove it out. Where Blackwell’s care taker took possession of it. Blackwell rode with the SAR team in the rescue vehicle.

Blackwell was reported to be in stable condition

Additional info on the Rescue Vehicle

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office purchased the a CanAm side-by-side on March 7, 2019 during an emergency declaration announced by Governor Brown due to recent snow storms.

These storms dropped heavy snow, triggering several recent rescues northern Klamath County.  

During these rescue missions - older equipment broke down and repairs were not able to be made in a timely manner.

Funds used to purchase the rescue vehicle was made available through a contract with the Oregon State Snowmobile Association. The funds originated with the Oregon Department of Transportation and were awarded to the State Snowmobile Association for grooming trails. The same funds also provide for law enforcement patrol and safety education for ten Sheriff’s Offices across the state.