Special Operations Rescue Team

The Thurston County Special Operations Rescue Team (SORT) provides specialized technical rescue services within WA Homeland Security Region 3 (Thurston, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Lewis, Mason counties).   Established in 2007.

SORT 2026
2026 SORT
A group of emergency responders in helmets is preparing a stretcher in a wooded area, likely for a rescue operation.
Trench rescue class
Rescue teams are preparing equipment near a trench, focusing on safety and coordination for an operation in a wooded area.
Trench rescue class
A red fire truck from McLane-Black Lake Fire Department, showcasing various tools and equipment in its storage compartments.
SORT truck
A red fire truck with open compartments displaying various firefighting tools and equipment.
SORT truck
A group of men in life vests listens to an instructor, possibly during a water safety or rescue training session.
Water Rescue - Train the trainer
Five individuals in helmets and jackets are on a balcony, observing with ropes hanging down. Safety and rescue likely in focus.
Ropes class
Workers are performing a rescue operation or training exercise on a building, utilizing ropes and harnesses for safety.
Ropes class
Workers are using a ladder for maintenance on a building, with safety equipment in use and multiple people visible.
Ropes class
A group of emergency responders poses for a photo by a helicopter in a grassy area, showcasing teamwork and service.
SORT forklift rescue 2025
A worker in safety gear is using a scaffold to work on a building while another person observes nearby. Ladders are also present.
Ropes class
The image shows two individuals in helmets, one climbing and the other positioned at a height, using climbing gear and ropes.
Ropes class
The image shows a group practicing rope rescue techniques on a building, with safety gear and harnesses involved.
Ropes class
Two workers in helmets are performing maintenance inside an elevator shaft, surrounded by cables and machinery.
Elevator rescue class
A person in a helmet is rappelling down using ropes, demonstrating climbing or rescue techniques outdoors under a clear sky.
Ropes class
A person organizes various ropes and equipment, including bags and tools, likely for rescue or emergency services.
A group of firefighters in uniforms prepares by a fire truck, practicing with ropes, in front of a partially-built structure.
A person in safety gear is roped and hanging upside down from a building, practicing rescue techniques outdoors.
Ropes class
SORT 2026
A group of emergency responders in helmets is preparing a stretcher in a wooded area, likely for a rescue operation.
Rescue teams are preparing equipment near a trench, focusing on safety and coordination for an operation in a wooded area.
A red fire truck from McLane-Black Lake Fire Department, showcasing various tools and equipment in its storage compartments.
A red fire truck with open compartments displaying various firefighting tools and equipment.
A group of men in life vests listens to an instructor, possibly during a water safety or rescue training session.
Five individuals in helmets and jackets are on a balcony, observing with ropes hanging down. Safety and rescue likely in focus.
Workers are performing a rescue operation or training exercise on a building, utilizing ropes and harnesses for safety.
Workers are using a ladder for maintenance on a building, with safety equipment in use and multiple people visible.
A group of emergency responders poses for a photo by a helicopter in a grassy area, showcasing teamwork and service.
A worker in safety gear is using a scaffold to work on a building while another person observes nearby. Ladders are also present.
The image shows two individuals in helmets, one climbing and the other positioned at a height, using climbing gear and ropes.
The image shows a group practicing rope rescue techniques on a building, with safety gear and harnesses involved.
Two workers in helmets are performing maintenance inside an elevator shaft, surrounded by cables and machinery.
A person in a helmet is rappelling down using ropes, demonstrating climbing or rescue techniques outdoors under a clear sky.
A person organizes various ropes and equipment, including bags and tools, likely for rescue or emergency services.
A group of firefighters in uniforms prepares by a fire truck, practicing with ropes, in front of a partially-built structure.
A person in safety gear is roped and hanging upside down from a building, practicing rescue techniques outdoors.