Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 5, 2007 Search and rescue efforts could face changes Lawmaker, inspired by Kim family, hopes measures will streamline future searches By DON JEPSEN for the Mail Tribune SALEM — A Jackson County legislator plans to introduce bills to overhaul search and rescue operations and to make cell phone records of missing persons available quickly to aid in finding people who are lost. Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Central Point, has been working on drafting the measures since January. They come after widespread criticism of the search for James Kim, a San Francisco online editor, and his family when they became lost Thanksgiving weekend on a logging spur road off Bear Camp Road northwest of Grants Pass. In addition to reinforcing the role of sheriffs, the measures would strengthen local control in searches that cover contiguous counties and would include new training for search and rescue personnel. The bills would direct county commissions and sheriffs to establish plans and policies for conducting search and rescue efforts in their respective jurisdictions. Atkinson said those "on the ground" are the most capable of handling crises, including local search and rescue volunteer groups. Advertisement "Our guys are the most qualified and have the best organization in search and rescue missions," he said. "It's the people on the ground that have the knowledge." He said the state's role should be to strengthen the local effort through training and oversight. The Kims' car became stuck in snow Nov. 25. Kim died after striking out on foot to find help. His wife and two daughters were rescued when their vehicle was spotted by a helicopter pilot. A report by the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association said the widespread search for the Kims was marked by "frequent confusion" over who was in charge — the Josephine County Sheriff's Department, Oregon State Police or someone else. Gov. Ted Kulongoski appointed a committee to come up with suggestions on revising policies related to searches. He said Monday he is pushing the panel to meet a March 31 recommendation for suggested changes. A bill or bills could be introduced sometime in April. Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson said last week he has reviewed draft proposals and suggested some revisions, including the new training for search and rescue crews. He said he will withhold endorsing the Atkinson proposal until he sees the final version. With the loss of federal timber harvest replacement revenues, Gilbertson is wondering where the dollars will come from for search and rescue as well as other programs. "We will have to rely on volunteers and contributions," he said. Gilbertson also said the southwestern Oregon counties along with Del Norte County in Calfornia are investigating a regional approach that would involve pooling manpower and resources. Atkinson said he hopes his proposals are referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, where he is vice-chairman. Don Jepsen is a freelance writer living in Salem. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary