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Search and Rescue Team (SAR)
Purpose The Santa Cruz County Search and Rescue (SAR) Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who care what happens to you while you enjoy the wilderness areas of Santa Cruz County. Team volunteers are on call around the clock every day of the year. Team members take time from their families and professions to perform their search and rescue duties. They come from all walks of life, working as teachers, contractors, firemen, parents, grandparents, students, and in numerous other occupations. The primary cause of accidents and discomfort in the wilderness is the lack of information about how to deal with wilderness conditions. In addition to responding to critical incidents, the Santa Cruz Search and Rescue Team shares its specialized knowledge with the public in the hope that dangerous or tragic situations will be prevented through this education. Check below for wilderness survival tips from the Search and Rescue Team. History
While the number of volunteers has remained about the same over the years, the need grew for a more specialized search and rescue team. After many years of being a tremendous resource for the Sheriff’s Office, both in search and rescue involvement and in public service details, the Search and Rescue Team was recognized as an separately functioning unit in 1984. The team was assigned a regular deputy to supervise and administer training. What began as an area of responsibility for the Explorer Post has become a full-fledged search and rescue team, composed of more than 30 adults and several dogs. The Team works with the Sheriff’s Office and with other teams, such as the Motorcycle Posse, the Horse Posse, and similar teams from other counties (via mutual aid).
Search and Rescue Team Areas of Specialty
SURVIVAL Tips from the SAR Team In the event that you become disoriented or lost in a wilderness environment, following these helpful recommendations may save your life. Remember to STOP:
If the Santa Cruz Search and Rescue Team knew that all people would follow these STOP steps, the team would be confident that more people would be found faster and with fewer problems. CARRY The Ten Essentials Be prepared for the unexpected. Remember always to carry these ten essential items:
Hug-A-Tree-- Wilderness Survival Skills for Children
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team is a non-profit volunteer organization. Although managed by sworn budgeted staff, the majority of our funding comes from donations made by caring citizens and local business owners. Equipment maintenance and upkeep is primarily the responsibility of our team members.
Such
volunteer efforts can only be maintained with your support. Perhaps
your tax-deductible donation will help provide a needed piece
of equipment that will be just the item needed to save lives in the future. expertise/knowledge*. *Applications for SAR Volunteers are not currently being accepted, but please check this page later for updates and applications. SHERIFF'S SEARCH and RESCUE TEAM Phone: (831) 479-1552 |
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Santa Cruz County Sheriff |
The
roots of the Santa Cruz County Search and Rescue Team reach back to 1972, when search and rescue was a function
of Explorer Post 613. It maintained a “well- trained search and rescue unit,” consisting of around 23 members.
SAR
Team members put in many hours of volunteer time each year, both in training and
in performing searches. They have carried out
their jobs on foot, in vehicles, and in the air. Searches have been made for adults, children, and evidence.
Rescue operations
have been made for hikers, bikers, joggers, lost children, Alzheimer’s sufferers, and suicide victims.
While the
searches are never easy, often requiring hours of hiking and lost sleep, the team members give unflagging support
to the cause. Their time, effort, and money continue to provide valuable
search and rescue service to Santa
Cruz County and beyond.
