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About SAR

Each year Mendocino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue receives numerous inquiries from men and women interested in joining us, but wish to know more about the organization. Here is a brief run-down of what we do, and what is required of our members.

Search and Rescue (SAR) is an unpaid, all-volunteer, non-profit corporation that currently has members throughout Mendocino County, California. Our mission is summed up by our name; we perform SEARCH and RESCUE operations whenever and wherever we are called upon to do so, by the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.

We draw all of our resources from our local community of volunteers who gain the skills required, and have the determination needed to make a difference. SAR meets once a month and posted on our calendar and are open to the public, so stop on by!

SAR operations are involved in many areas such as: Mounted Posse, Four-wheel Drive, ATV, Boat Patrol, Air Squadron, Underwater Search and Recovery, and Special Forces. As a SAR member, you will be assigned to one of these areas according to your particular interests or skills.

Eligibility for Membership

Any person who is a United States citizen, has not been convicted of a felony, and is 14 years or older, is eligible for membership.

Member Requirements

All SAR members must obtain and keep valid First Aid and CPR cards. Throughout the year there are regular training sessions on these and other diverse subjects such as man-tracking, map and compass, GPS, ATV, reppelling, and both Inland and Ocean Dive rescue. Each year there are also one or two two-day search and rescue training sessions which integrate all SAR units. There are no dues or fees to be a Mendo SAR member. All members are covered by insurance when called out on SAR operations. You provide your time, your effort, and your skills to save lives, and we consider this "Priceless"!

Apart from attending meetings and training sessions, all members may be called upon to participate in a search, the most common call-out for members. Searches are often done in rugged terrain at all hours of day or night, and any weather. Although you may belong to a particular group--horse, four-wheel, air, or dive--you can expect to be called upon to conduct a search on foot if necessary.

Right Stuff

Being a member of SAR demands a certain amount of your time, and can be rigorous, but also rewarding. Please consider carefully if you are prepared to commit yourself to all of these requirements before seeking to join. The strength of SAR comes from its members, and having the "RightStuff" when, and where it's needed.

Of course there are also plenty of support and administrative things to do behind the scenes, so if you are less inclined to climb a rope or a mountain, we can find a place in our organization for you too!

Applications

Click on the links below to download the application of your choice, fill it in online and then mail it to the address below.

*Search and Rescue Volunteer (Adult Application)
* mySAR (Application for volunteers under the age of 18)