Underwater S.A.R. Unit
The Columbia County Sheriff's Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is a non-profit corporation, registered with the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The purpose of this Unit is to perform surface and sub-surface water searches and recoveries of persons and evidence pertaining to related missions in order to aide law enforcement agencies in and around Columbia County.
Our unit also offers an excellent educational program for the area's youth. Which helps teach our children about. water rescue, scuba diving, and the role of the deputy sheriff. There is also a demonstration of a hovercraft that kids of all ages enjoy. For a free demonstration at your school, daycare, scout troop, or any other youth group contact Deputy Beitz at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.
The team has two boats available at all times: A 1988 Scat 2 Hovercraft owned and operated by Deputy William K. Beitz, and a 1945 Air Boat, owned and operated by attorney William Kreisher.
Both boats are privately owned and maintained at no taxpayer expense.The unit receives no taxpayer dollars. Donations from the general public and local businesses are what our team depends on to keep us going. If you are interested in helping out the dive team, you can join as a diver, operator, or land support member, by contacting the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, ask for Deputy William (Bill) Beitz.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is 100% privately funded and receives No Taxpayer dollars to help support this unit. Donations from businesses and people like you help keep this vital resource in the water. Insurance, equipment, and fuel cost continue to go up and we never send a single bill for our service. We count on you for help.
Your donations can be sent to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office (address on this page) attention Deputy William Beitz and checks can be made payable to Columbia Co. Sheriff's S.A.R. Unit.
Thank you for your help.