Nominations for awards are accepted throughout the year and may be sent via this email link: WA SARVAC Awards Submission.

Cutoff for nominations for the Washington State Search and Rescue Conference in May will occur on February 15th of the same year.

Youth SAR Achievement Award

This award recognizes youth (age 14-21) who have shown exemplary commitment to a county SAR program. Additionally, they need to have shown outstanding search and rescue skills.

Requirements

Involved in a county SAR program for a minimum of 2 years.Shown continuous growth and skill development of SAR techniques.
Developed other associated SAR skills and abilities.

Adult SAR Achievement Award

This award recognizes adults who have shown a strong commitment to a county SAR program. Additionally they need to have shown outstanding search and rescue skills, abilities, and a thorough knowledge of SAR concepts and methodology.

Requirements

Involved in a county SAR program for a minimum of 4 years.
Shown continuous growth and skill development of SAR techniques.
Developed other associated SAR skills and abilities.

SAR Leadership Award

This award recognizes adults who have shown exemplary leadership and outstanding leadership skills in search and rescue.

Requirements

Involved in a county SAR program for a minimum of 10 years.
Shown continuous leadership growth and development.
Served as a mentor to others in SAR.

Meritorious Service Award

This award recognizes those who have provided meritorious service to their SAR team, program, or county.

Requirements

Yet to be determined.

SAR Coordinator/SAR Liaison Award

This award is to recognize a SAR Coordinator or SAR Liaison for providing service to the SAR community in their county. It is to recognize significant leadership in the continued growth and development of the SAR program.

Requirements

The individual is or was the designated SAR Coordinator or SAR Liaison by the Sheriff’s Office or Department of Emergency Management.
The individual has significantly contributed to the continued growth and development of the county SAR program.

SAR County Award

This award is to recognize a county SAR program or county SAR Unit that has provided service to their community in search and rescue. It also is to recognize new and innovative programs. It is also to recognize programs that have been able to sustain their programs and to continue to develop new leaders and sustain the volunteers.

Requirements

The county or SAR Unit has provided exemplary service to their community
The county or SAR Unit has either:
Implemented new and innovative programs, or
Sustained existing programs, supports development of new leaders, and sustains volunteers.

WA SARVAC President’s Award

This award allows the WA SARVAC president to be able to recognize volunteers, volunteer staff, paid staff, and others who have provided significant service to the Washington State SAR community.

Requirements

At the discretion of the WA SARVAC President.

The Awards Committee is made up of a minimum of 3 people from the board, officers, and members of WA SARVAC. If you are interested in serving on the Awards Committee, please Join the Awards Committee!
The awards committee will select a chair, review nominees, and make a recommendation to the board and officers on whether the nominee should or should not receive the award for which they are nominated. The awards committee may recommend a nominee receive a different award.