How to Apply to Volunteer with Lewis County Sheriff's Office — Support Volunteers & Search & Rescue

Both the Support Volunteer Program and the Search and Rescue volunteer program run through the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at 345 W. Main St., Chehalis, WA 98532. If you have questions before you apply - or you want to confirm you’re using the right form - call (360) 748-9286.

Support Volunteers must be at least 18. There's one exception: if your parent is already an approved, active volunteer, you can apply at 14.

Search and Rescue requires a minimum age of 16. If you're between 14 and 16, you can join only if a parent or guardian volunteers alongside you.

Both programs require screening. Support Volunteer applicants go through a criminal history check. Search and Rescue applicants face both a criminal history check and a driver's license check - those happen after the Unit Leader approves your application.

Step2 Apply Documents

• ✓ Complete, sign, and submit the Support Volunteer Application and Waiver Form (mail it or turn it in in person).
• ✓ Provide three character references.

• ✓ Complete and sign the Search and Rescue volunteer application and waiver form.
• ✓ Mail it or submit it in person to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Once you apply, expect required checks. Support Volunteers must pass a criminal history check. Search and Rescue applicants undergo both a criminal history check and a driver's license check after Unit Leader approval.

Make sure the schedule works before you commit. Support Volunteers give two to four hours per week (depending on the role) for at least six months. Monthly meetings are mandatory - first Tuesday of each month, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Accepted Support Volunteers complete orientation, training, and a probation period. Factor that ramp-up time into your overall commitment.

Search and Rescue members train continuously. You'll need to maintain at least the minimum WAC 118-04-120 training classes and stay active and available for call-outs.

1. Submit your application and waiver - Turn in the completed Support Volunteer Application and Waiver Form.
2. Complete reference and background screening - Your references are checked and you must pass a criminal history (background) check.
3. Interview with the Volunteer Review Board - You’ll complete an interview as part of the selection process.
4. Finish orientation, training, and probation - If accepted, you’ll complete the required orientation/training and probation period.

1. Submit your application and waiver - Complete and sign the Search and Rescue volunteer application and waiver form and submit it (mail or in person).
2. Wait for Unit Leader approval - Screening checks happen after Unit Leader approval.
3. Complete required checks - You must pass a criminal history check and a driver’s license check.
4. Stay trained and ready - You’ll need to maintain the minimum WAC 118-04-120 training classes and stay active/available for call-outs.

Drop off your completed paperwork at the Lewis County Sheriff's Office, 345 W. Main St., Chehalis, WA 98532. Questions? Call (360) 748-9286 before you submit. If you're applying as a Support Volunteer, line up your three character references ahead of time - it keeps things moving.