UPDATE: new email address for SAR K9 jcso.sar.k9@gmail.com
Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) is recruiting prospective K9 handlers. JCSO SAR is looking for dog lovers willing to become K9 search team members. This volunteer opportunity is demanding but also greatly rewarding. K9 teams are called upon frequently for missions and are often the first searchers on the scene.
K9 teams can be trained and certified in several disciplines: wilderness area search, trailing, human remains detection, and article location. Initial training and certification can take 18 months or more.
Anyone thinking of becoming a SAR K9 handler needs to be fully aware of the significant time and financial commitment involved. The K9 team trains twice a week (Wednesday evening and Saturday morning). The training location can be nearly anywhere in Jackson County.
Prospective handlers need to own a dog that can work. The dog should be two years old or younger but that can be negotiated. Handlers must be physically fit and be comfortable with technology (radios, GPS, cellphones). Handlers must also have a reliable vehicle capable of safely transporting their dog.
Any prospective handler will first have to volunteer with SAR and complete the training academy. Before joining any SAR special team, volunteers must complete a six-month training period.
The next deadline for SAR applications is August 1, 2024. The application can be found at https://www.jacksoncountyor.gov/departments/sheriff/divisions/search_and_rescue/index.php
If you think you are up to the challenge, contact jcso.sar.k9team@gmail.com for more information.
SOUTHERN OREGON – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives are investigating multiple burglaries of marijuana farms and storage facilities in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The suspects are targeting licensed marijuana farms during the nighttime hours and are possibly armed. Owners and workers of these facilities should be alert for these types of crimes and report unusual activity. Also, check perimeter fences and cameras to make sure they are intact and operational.
If you have any information on these burglaries or have not reported a previous burglary crime at a marijuana facility, call ECSO Dispatch non-emergency line at (541)776-7206 and ask to speak with a JCSO deputy. These cases are active and ongoing with detectives following additional leads. There is no more information available at this time.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. - The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning for Jackson County from 3 PM to 8 PM today. Strong gusty winds, low humidity, and extremely hot weather can cause fires to spread rapidly. Please use caution and avoid anything outdoors that causes sparks or flames.
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon for strong gusty winds and low relative humidity.
A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger.
More info from NWS Medford:
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM TO 8 PM PDT SATURDAY FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND AND LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 616, 620, 621, 622, AND 623...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING FOR STRONG GUSTY WIND AND LOW RH FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 616, 620, 621, 622, AND 623...
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 3 PM to 8 PM PDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zones 616...620...621...622 & 623. This includes central Douglas County, northern and central Josephine County, Jackson County, and western Klamath County.
* WIND...Northwest wind increasing to 8 to 14 mph with gusts as high as 22 mph.
* HUMIDITY...7 to 15 percent.
* DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at
Video Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/975821336?share=copy
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – The July 4th holiday teamed with a heat wave means more boaters on the water across Jackson County. An increase in boaters often leads to more boating incidents and fatalities. To keep our local community safe, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, will participate in the national Operation Dry Water enhanced awareness and enforcement weekend. From July 4-6, JCSO Marine Patrol will increase our presence on the waterways to prioritize educating boaters about safe practices, including the importance of sober boating and the wearing of life jackets, with the goal of enhancing boating safety countywide.
Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths. As part of Operation Dry Water, JCSO will increase Marine Patrol presence July 4-6 on our County’s lakes and rivers. Our mission in Operation Dry Water is to increase public awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs. Boating under the influence is illegal. Operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher is against state law. Alcohol use is dangerous for passengers too. Intoxicated passengers can easily slip, fall overboard or suffer other life-threatening incidents.
Our top priority is the safety of everyone on the water, JCSO Marine units will be patrolling for any impaired boater posing a danger to others and remove them from the waterways. Let our increased presence be a reminder to always boat sober and to wear a life jacket when on or around the water.
Operation Dry Water is a year-round campaign focused on awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence, aiming to reduce alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities. The campaign increases recreational boater awareness and creates a stronger, more visible deterrent to alcohol and drug use on the water.
Visit operationdrywater.org for more information about boating under the influence.
IMET Case 24-10271
SHADY COVE, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant yesterday morning, Tuesday, July 2, at a black-market cannabis grow in the 20400 block of Sawyer Road in Shady Cove. The property was once the site of a school but has since been modified to grow black-market cannabis. IMET detectives seized 1,108 illegal marijuana plants, $1600 in cash, 3.5 grams of cocaine, and four firearms. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location.
Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued citations totaling $13,000 for violations related to unpermitted construction, failure to obtain approval for marijuana production, and camping vehicles used as a dwelling. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, and Medford Police Department (MPD) officers.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, MPD, OSP, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
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JCSO Case 24-3504
ASHLAND, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash after a pedestrian was struck and killed last night outside Ashland. ECSO Dispatch received a call on Saturday, June 29 at 9:35 PM for a pedestrian injured and the suspect vehicle still on scene in the 500 block of South Valley View Road.
JCSO deputies, Ashland Police Department officers, and an Ashland Fire ambulance responded to the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Next-of-kin has been notified. The victim is Mark David Langille, 50, of New Mexico. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team and JCSO Medical Examiner detectives responded to assist with the investigation. The driver of the suspect minivan was taken into custody and a search warrant for a blood draw was granted.
Potential charges for the suspect are pending further investigation, toxicology reports, and a mechanical inspection of the vehicle. The suspect’s name will be released if and when charges are filed.
The STAR Team consists of investigators from JCSO, Medford Police Department, and Central Point Police Department. This case is under further investigation with deputies and the STAR Team following additional leads. There is no further information available at this time.
UPDATE 6/30/24: Upper Applegate Fire: Evacuation Levels Canceled Due to Successful Firefighting Efforts
RURAL JACKSONVILLE, Ore. - All evacuation levels are canceled for the Upper Applegate Fire south of Ruch, Ore. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is canceling the evacuation levels due to successful firefighting efforts over the last few days.
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Upper Applegate Fire Evacuation Levels Increase to Level 2 - BE SET to Evacuate
Upper Applegate Fire UPDATE 6/22/24
INCREASED EVACUATION LEVEL:
The evacuation levels for Zones JAC-434 and JAC-436 have increased to Level 2 - BE SET due to a wildfire spreading in the area.
JCSO deputies and Search & Rescue (SAR) are in the area to provide in-person notifications. For updated information on the firefighting efforts follow ODF Southwest
Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate means:
- There is significant danger in your area - be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
- Stay informed and be alert. Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.
This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. Conditions can change rapidly. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.
Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.
Do you Know Your Zone? Visit Genasys Protect https://protect.genasys.com/ to find your zone
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ZONE DESCRIPTIONS:
Level 2 - BE SET: Zone JAC-436: Little Applegate Rd / West of Upper Applegate Rd, and eastern portions of Sterling Creek Rd., Rural Jacksonville.
Level 2 - BE SET: Zone JAC-434: Eastside Rd / South of Little Applegate Rd to north of McKee Bridge, Rural Jacksonville.
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Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate from Jackson County Sheriff's Office for the following areas:
JAC-434: Eastside Rd south of Little Applegate Rd to north of McKee Bridge, rural Jacksonville.
JAC-436: Little Applegate Rd, west of Upper Applegate Rd, and eastern portions of Sterling Creek Rd., rural Jacksonville.
Nivel 2 - ESTÉ LISTO para evacuar Jackson County Sheriff's Office para las siguientes áreas:
Nivel 2 - ESTÉ LISTO para evacuar Jackson County Sheriff's Office para las siguientes áreas:
JAC-434: Eastside Rd south of Little Applegate Rd to north of McKee Bridge, rural Jacksonville.
JAC-436: Little Applegate Rd, west of Upper Applegate Rd, and eastern portions of Sterling Creek Rd., rural Jacksonville.
Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate means:
- There is significant danger in your area - be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
- Stay informed and be alert. Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.
This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. Conditions can change rapidly. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.
Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.
Nivel 2 - ESTÉ LISTO para evacuar significa:
- Hay peligro significativo en su zona -esté listo para partir en cualquier momento.
- Mantengase informado y esté alerto. Continue consultando los sitios de web locales de la cuidad y del condado, medios sociales, televisión y radio para actualizaciones.
Está puede ser la única notificación que reciba. Si usted se siente inseguro, no se espere para evacuar. Las condiciones pueden cambiar rapidamente No necesita esperar a otra notificación de evacuación. Tome la mejor decisión para su seguridad.