Search & rescue plates could be discontinued

In order for Nevada specialty license plates to continue being offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the organization sponsoring the license plate needs to sell at least 1,000 plates, for 500 cars.

To date, Nevada search and rescue organizations have only sold about 300 of the plates, according to Douglas County Sheriff's Search & Rescue team member Merrilyn M. Noble.

"The volunteers for these search and rescue organizations should be recognized for their selfless dedication and service to the community," Noble said. "Additionally, a portion of the money raised from the sale of these license plates is shared with each county search and rescue unit."

The sheriff of each of Nevada's 17 counties is directed by statute to have and support a search and rescue unit. Members of each unit work directly for the sheriff's office, performing duties deputies don't have the training or expertise to do, such as: search for lost skiers, hikers, backpackers, and off-roaders; conduct swiftwater rescues; conduct steep mountain/rapelling rescues; perform grid search and evidence retrieval in open territories; and assist citizen and large animal evacuations during fire or emergency events. Additionally, members assist with road control during foul weather or traffic events, crowd control at large community events, gatherings or parades; and educating school children on outdoor survival.

Search and rescue members are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. All members are volunteers; they receive no pay or compensation for their work.

Purchase of a standard license plate is $61, with an annual renewal of $30. Purchase of a personalized license plate is $96, with an annual renewal of $50.

Additional information can be obtained at the Nevada DMV Web site: www.dmvnv.com/platescharitable.htm#searchrescue.

If you have any questions about the State of Nevada search and rescue license plate, call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue at 783-9930. If no one is available in the office at the time, please leave a message.

For more information on the activities of the Douglas County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Unit, visit the Web site at www.douglassar.org