UNIT HISTORY
by Bob Freund
CMRU's roots can be traced to the Oregon State College Mountain Club which developed a Rescue section in the 1950s. In these early days, the rescue section was mainly college students and faculty who enjoyed climbing.
During the 1960s this group became known as the Corvallis Unit of the Mountain Rescue and Safety Council of Oregon (MORESCO), and was one of the original units forming the national Mountain Rescue Association. The Corvallis Unit, like MORESCO itself, became dormant in the early 1970s. The growth of many, varied SAR groups during this period led to a decrease in missions for Oregon mountain rescue teams.
With ORS 401.560 placing legal responsibility for search and rescue (SAR) activities on the county sheriff, there was an increased desire that a properly equipped, highly trained, technical evacuation team be available in Benton County. The Corvallis Unit was reorganized in 1975 and called itself Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit. Since its reorganization, CMRU has been a valuable SAR asset - both in the classroom and In the field.
In 1987 CMRU was instrumental in forming the Oregon Mountain Rescue Council - the unified voice of all Oregon mountain rescue teams. In 1993 CMRU became a charter member of the Benton County SAR Council (BCSAR), and continues to participate actively in the Council.
CMRU is currently accredited by the Mountain Rescue Association in the areas of High Angle Rock Evacuation, Wilderness Search, and Snow and Ice Evacuation. CMRU was reaccredited in April, 2005 through OMRC.
IN MEMORY
- Mardi Keltner - 1949-1999
- Kathyrn Tinnesand - 1981-2005
MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
CMRU often recognizes our own members for service as a volunteer team member. Below are recent recognitions of our CMRU Member of the Year Award:- 2023: David Hill
- 2022: Joe McCormick
- 2021: Jason Killian
- 2020: Dan Sherman
- 2019: Dr. Pete Gowing and Jacob Holcombe
- 2018: Chris Davis
- 2017: John Stevenson
- 2016: Joe McCormick
- 2015: Tyler Deboodt
- 2014: Todd Shechter
- 2013: Tim Hale
- 2012: Nate Meehan
- 2011: Jonathan Hoy
- 2010: Jerry Heilman
- 2009: Bob Freund
- 2008: Jim Dagata
- 2007: Todd Shechter
- 2006: Mike Bamberger, Benton County Emergency Manager
- 2005: Matt Crawford
- 2004: Joy Linn, first awardee
PAST CMRU PRESIDENTS
| 1975: John Wells | 1976: John Wells | 1977: John Wells |
| 1978: Jerry Gates | 1979: John Wells | 1980: Ralph Moore |
| 1981: Steve Beecroft | 1982: Steve Beecroft | 1983: Mitch Lyle |
| 1984: Michael Augden | 1985: Bill O'Brien | 1986: (unknown) |
| 1987: (unknown) | 1988: Bill Ellison | 1989: Bill Ellison |
| 1990: Bob Freund | 1991: Bob Freund | 1992: Bob Freund |
| 1993: Ken Rauscher | 1994: Bob Freund | 1995: Jon Sears |
| 1996: Jon Sears | 1997: Jon Sears | 1998: Jon Sears |
| 1999: Jon Sears | 2000: Bob Freund | 2001: Bob Freund |
| 2002: Joy Linn | 2003: Joy Linn | 2004: Joy Linn |
| 2005: Jim Dagata | 2006: Jim Dagata | 2007: Jim Dagata |
| 2008: Matt Crawford | 2009-2019: Todd Shechter | 2020: Jerry Heilman |
| 2021-current: Dan Sherman | ||