Rescue leader retires

Sergeant Wayne Inman retired from his position as head of the Deschutes County Search and Rescue unit on January 2.

Outgoing Sheriff Greg Brown credited Inman for "(moving) Search and Rescue to a new standard of excellence in his three year tenure.

"SAR is recognized regionally for its high standards for admission, rigorous training regimen, cooperative relationships with other Central Oregon agencies and its success in search and rescue missions," Brown said.

Inman, a Sisters-area resident, joined the sheriff's office in 1997, first as a volunteer and then was appointed sergeant in September 1997. In his official capacity, he supervised forest and marine patrols, as well as coordinating search and rescue operations.

Inman brought an extensive law enforcement background to his position. He had served the Portland Police Bureau for 28 years and retired as Assistant Police Chief in 1992. He then served two years as police chief in Billings, Montana.

Inman gave no specific reason for his retirement, noting only that "it's time to move on and try something else."