Mason County Search and Rescue reports surge in missions, volunteers log 9,432 hours in 2025

Mason County Search and Rescue presented a year‑in‑review to the Board of County Commissioners, reporting significant growth in operational tempo and volunteer capacity.

"In 2025, Mason County Search and Rescue provided critical life safety services across Mason County and throughout the Western Washington region, supporting 34 missions, which was a 50% increase over the previous year," said Jesse Floberg, a member of the organization and the board of directors. He said the volunteers logged 9,432 personnel hours in 2025, which the group estimates represents roughly $424,000 in service value based on an equivalent wage comparison.

Capabilities and mutual aid: The organization reported 68 active volunteers (51 fully trained as field searchers) along with K9, mobile, drone and operations-support units; 12 missions used K9 teams and 21 missions were outside Mason County, reflecting growing regional mutual‑aid roles. The unit also conducts frequent training (59 exercises in 2025) and participates in coordination meetings and community outreach.

Why it matters: Commissioners expressed appreciation for the volunteers' growth and reliability, noting the resource both enhances local response and builds regional relationships that can be mobilized for larger incidents. The search-and-rescue team emphasized that many missions require preplanning and that equipment and training investments enable timely responses.

Next steps: The group requested continued support and recognition as a county resource activated by the sheriff's office; no specific funding request was made during the briefing.