Santa Barbara sheriff’s Dive Team gets $15,000 grant for new equipment

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Recovery Team (Dive Team) trained with new equipment Wednesday donated by a local philanthropic organization, the Raintree Foundation.

The Dive Team was able to train using their new equipment for the first time at Santa Barbara Community College.

The Raintree Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Sheriff’s Office following the Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse’s outreach efforts.

A diving helmet and dive suits were purchased to keep deputies safe as they navigate often treacherous underwater environments such as decaying debris, pesticides, or sewage that are capable of spreading disease or infection.

“The Sheriff’s Dive Team has to perform in some of the most adverse conditions a diver could encounter. This is not the kind of diving you do on your vacation. We train and prepare for these events regularly, and this donation from the Raintree Foundation greatly expands our capabilities to quickly and safely recover victims or evidence,” said Sergeant Garrett TeSlaa.

The Posse’s mission is to supplement equipment and training for Santa Barbara County’s primary law enforcement personnel in their efforts to keep the community safe.

“The Posse is deeply indebted to the Raintree Foundation for their long-time support enabling the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who keep us safe every day obtain much-needed quality equipment to assist them in their vital work,” said Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse President Sara O’Shaughnessy.

For more information about the Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse go to their website at www.sbsheriffsposse.org