Tuolumne County Search and Rescue

.	... that Others May Live
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About Us

Our Mission
24 Hours a day, 365 days a year, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE, ANYTIME, we answer the call. Our team is fully self-contained, ready to travel the region. Call on us and we will be there when disaster strikes...

About the team
The Tuolumne County Search and Rescue Team is made up entirely of volunteers who work through the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department. The team conducts searches for missing persons throughout Tuolumne County and assists other search teams during mutual aid call outs. Requests for searches must be initiated through the sheriff's office or other law enforcement agency.

Since 1975 this team has been responding to search and rescue calls of all kinds, in all seasons of the year, and at all hours. One of the oldest teams in continuous service in the state of California, this team ranks among the five busiest, running over 100 calls a year.

The 35 team members come from all walks of life and all occupations. Most "SAR" call come at the worst possible times - late at night, on holidays, weekends, and involve being gone from family and home for long periods - sometimes days on end. These calls are generally far from the road - and media attention. As a result, SAR team members quickly learn the rewards of service are few - a hot meal, the thanks of the victim, and the victim's family.

Team members are equipped with vehicles and gear as part of the Sheriff's budget, but must supply their own personal gear and uniforms. They receive no other compensation.

"TCSAR" responds not only to lost person searches, but to technical rope rescues, swiftwater rescues, and heavy rescue calls. Current and past team members have established national reputations as rescue educators and wilderness medical physicians.

"TCSAR" is often consulted for direction and advice on advanced technical rescue problems. As part of State Mutual Aid System through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, our personnel respond to calls in other areas. Members have even been called to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the direction and development of the National Search and Rescue Plan.