Sgt. Dwight Johnson of the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office is the 2023 Oregon State Sheriff's Association Search and Rescue Coordinator of the Year.

PENDLETON — Sgt. Dwight Johnson of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office is the 2023 Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Search and Rescue Coordinator of the Year.

Johnson received the award Dec. 7 at the association’s annual awards banquet at the Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center in Bend.

Johnson has decades of experience in law enforcement and search and rescue.

“He has dedicated his life to helping others in need,” according to a release from the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office. “As the SAR coordinator, he passionately and humbly shares his wealth of knowledge with others. He is truly one of the very best and we are proud to have him as part of our team.”

Sheriff’s offices throughout Oregon submit nominations for the award, and the OSSA Search and Rescue Advisory Council reviews those, according to the press release. To qualify, a nominee must be an SAR coordinator or manager who has distinguished themselves through contributions to local, regional or statewide search and rescue programs, or be an individual effort exclusively within a search and rescue program or external partners who assist in search and rescue efforts for the residents of Oregon.

The selection committee reviews the following criteria:

• Exceptional effort and/or accomplishments in fulfilling the responsibilities of the nominee’s assignment.

• Outstanding accomplishment to public safety and service, and to the sheriff’s office.

• Contributions that are significant to other employees and/or residents.