The Columbia County Dive Team is primarily volunteers. Members of the dive team consist of volunteer community members as well as a Sheriff's Lieutenant who serves as a liaison and a Deputy Sheriff who serves as an assistant liaison for the Sheriff’s Office. The dive team operates on a county budget as well as public and private contributions. Members donate training time that helps reduce costs. Members of the dive team are dispatched by cell/pager in time of need. The team’s equipment trailer is taken directly to the scene of any operation.
The volunteer dive team has responded to many calls for service since its creation. The team specializes in rescue and recovery efforts. Automobiles, motors, prosthetic limbs, cash registers, safes, evidence, corpses, and many other articles have been recovered. Members continuously train in advanced recreational dive certifications. The team also trains in the advance realm of Public Safety Diving. Monthly meetings, training sessions, and equipment maintenance sessions keep members proficient.