Rescue volunteer dies during nighttime training hike

Gresham man lent tracking skills to sheriff's unit for 15 years

By Shannon Wells

The Gresham Outlook, Oct 26, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

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Gomez, who sheriff’s officials say resided in the Orient area, lent his ability to identify shoe tracks on the ground to the rescue unit for 15 years.

“He was an expert in identifying the types of tracks people leave by using ground impressions,” Staton said. "Those skills, his wilderness skills, were extensive. He was well versed in all those areas.

“I would say he was one of the longest-serving of the adult volunteers we have,” Staton added.

The group was engaged in one of its regularly scheduled training hikes in varying light and weather conditions. The Larch Mountain area saw intermittent rain and temperatures in the low to mid-40s on Saturday night.

Staton, who said he became friends with Gomez when Staton supervised the rescue unit, called Gomez’s passing a major loss to the program and the community.

“I worked with him a lot,” he said. "Personally, I’m gonna miss him, and I know lot of others will as well. There’s an empty spot that I don’t think can be filled.”

A memorial service for Gomez is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Rivercrest Community Church, 3201 N.E. 148th Ave., Portland. Mt. Scott Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit, care of Sgt. Diane Olsen, at 12240 N.E. Glisan St., Portland, 97230.

For more information, call 503-251-2541 or visit www.mcsosar.com.

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