HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4729, by Representatives McDonald, Regala, Woods, Talcott, Quall, Dunn, Carrell, Cox, Wolfe, Wensman, Carlson, D. Schmidt, Thomas, Hatfield, Hankins, Pflug and Fortunato

       WHEREAS, Explorer Search and Rescue is a youth organization, affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America as a venturing program where youth fourteen years of age and older are trained in the art of wilderness search and rescue; and

       WHEREAS, Explorer Search and Rescue recruits and trains nearly three hundred members each year and well over ten thousand youth have gone through this training since 1956; and

       WHEREAS, Explorer Search and Rescue units currently have membership in eight counties throughout the state including, King County - 251 members; Kitsap County - 107 members; Mason County - 15 members; Pierce County - 240 members; Skagit County - 57 members; Spokane County - 30 members; Thurston County - 56 members; and Whatcom County - 32 members; and

       WHEREAS, Explorer Search and Rescue provides valuable community service during disasters and supports community events such as parades and celebrations; and

       WHEREAS, Explorer Search and Rescue helps develop self-confidence and maturity in youth who complete the training and remain active in the program; and

       WHEREAS, Explorer Search and Rescue responds to over one hundred fifty missions each year as a member of the emergency management division in Washington state;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor both the adults and the youth of our state who have committed their time to the Explorer Search and Rescue organization; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Explorer Search and Rescue units in King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Spokane, Thurston, and Whatcom Counties.

       I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

       Resolution 4729 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          February 2, 2000.

________________________________       _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk     Cynthia Zehnder Co-Chief Clerk