Northwest Bloodhounds Search and Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, registered with the Secretary of State in Washington, and the Internal Revenue Service. Northwest Bloodhounds is funded through donations and member dues. Qualified handlers are registered with the Washington State Department of Emergency Management. The current membership is comprised of people interested in serving
the community as volunteers in search and rescue, trailing bloodhounds. The membership roster includes full voting adult members, initiate members, and auxiliary. Northwest Bloodhounds Search and Rescue has been in existence since 1973, founded by Clyde Reed and his wife Lena. (Lena passed away in 2000, Clyde passed away in 2007)
Northwest Bloodhound members are all volunteers. We respond to calls from law enforcement agencies to assist in searching for lost or overdue hunters, fishermen and hikers, children, and walk always from nursing homes. We also assist the law enforcement agencies in evidence and cadaver searches and some of the handlers are attending training for disaster work. Members are not compensated for the time that they dedicate. Many have full time jobs and use precious vacation time to respond on searches. Despite being volunteers, handlers must continue to seek and receive training in a number of different areas. They must document actual and training missions and constantly upgrade their skills and abilities. Without documentation, continued education and training, handlers risk injury, failure, and liability in the field. NWBSAR offers a variety of training throughout the year, covering many topics. This would include mock searches, classroom training in various areas, and fieldwork.
