Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue

Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue So that others may live MCSO SAR volunteers respond to an average of 65 emergency calls each year. Make sure to ID the donation for SAR.

Typical missions include:

· Wilderness searches for missing or injured hikers.
· Urban searches for Alzheimer's patients or lost children.
· Rescuing injured hikers in the backcountry.
· Swift water rescues due to flooding.
· Rescues or recoveries resulting from vehicles that drive off cliffs.
· Evidence or abduction searches for law enforcement.
· Searches for downed aircraft.
· Body recoveries

of various types.
· Mutual aid searches during urban disasters. Our team enjoys a close working relationship with all Monterey County Fire Urban Search and Rescue units; local, state, and federal parks and forest services; and local and state law enforcement agencies. How to Support Us:

The Sheriff's Advisory Council Search and Rescue team is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which depends on the support of the community. All contributions are tax deductible and are used directly for program operations, including equipment, rescues, and education. You can support us by donating online at https://www.sheriffsadvisorycouncil.org/donate/. Checks can be made out to SAC - reference SAR in the memo line and mail to "Monterey County Sheriff's Advisory Council, P.O. Box 2556, Salinas, CA 93902"

Busy week for Monterey County Search and Rescue!📍 May 28 – Big SurMCSO Search and Rescue responded to a report of a lost...
05/31/2026

Busy week for Monterey County Search and Rescue!

📍 May 28 – Big Sur
MCSO Search and Rescue responded to a report of a lost hiker who became disoriented and went off the Dutra Trail during inclement weather. SAR ground teams located the hiker and safely extracted them with the assistance of a UTV.

📍 May 30 – Soberanes Loop Trail
MCSO Search and Rescue responded after a hiker fell off-trail and sustained a serious leg injury. Working alongside California State Parks, Carmel Valley CERT, Cal Fire, and Mid Coast Fire Brigade, rescuers located the patient, provided medical care, and packaged them for transport. The patient was then moved to a suitable zone where CHP H-70 conducted a helicopter extraction to a waiting ground ambulance.

We are grateful for the teamwork and coordination of all responding agencies that helped bring these incidents to a successful conclusion.

Monterey County Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization that provides emergency search and rescue services throughout Monterey County at no cost to those in need. If you’d like to support our mission, please consider making a donation at mcosar.com/donate.

05/14/2026

🚁 Training Days with CHP Air Operations 🚁

On April 28–29, two Monterey County Search and Rescue members attended CHP Hoist Rescue Training in Greenfield alongside personnel from multiple fire agencies across the region.

Training included:
• Equipment review
• Single-skid operations
• Victim packaging & extraction
• Tag line operations
• Scenario-based rescue missions
• Tree canopy insertions/extractions

This was an outstanding opportunity to sharpen critical rescue skills and work alongside incredible public safety partners. A huge thank you to the CHP Paso Robles Air Operations Unit crew for their professionalism, knowledge, and outstanding instruction throughout the training. It’s always a pleasure training with them.

We’re grateful for the continued partnership and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

Monterey County Search and Rescue was proud to support the Wildflower Triathlon 2026 this past weekend. Our volunteers d...
05/05/2026

Monterey County Search and Rescue was proud to support the Wildflower Triathlon 2026 this past weekend. Our volunteers deployed on e-mountain bikes to patrol the trail portion of the course, providing rapid response and standby medical assistance to help ensure participant safety throughout the event.

We’re grateful to Monterey County Parks and their dedicated rangers for their partnership and for lending us a side-by-side vehicle, which enhanced our operational capability in the field.

Events like this are a great reminder of the value of collaboration between agencies and the role trained volunteers play in keeping our community safe. Thank you to the race organizers, participants, and fellow public safety partners for a successful weekend.

This weekend at the Sea Otter Classic, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team showcased equipment used ...
04/19/2026

This weekend at the Sea Otter Classic, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team showcased equipment used during SAR missions, such as bicycles and a rescue litter. Our Search and Rescue Team connected with the community to promote safety awareness and highlight volunteer opportunities. In addition, our SAR volunteers helped serve as support personnel during the event.

Last Saturday, our team trained along the rugged Big Sur coastline, sharpening critical high-angle rope rescue skills in...
04/14/2026

Last Saturday, our team trained along the rugged Big Sur coastline, sharpening critical high-angle rope rescue skills in one of the most challenging environments we serve. From steep cliffs to unpredictable conditions, these scenarios demand precision, teamwork, and constant training to stay mission-ready.

Our volunteers dedicate countless hours to ensure we can respond when it matters most—but we can’t do it alone. We currently have pressing needs for updated equipment, uniforms, and continued training to keep our team safe and effective in the field.

If you’d like to support our mission and help us save lives, please consider donating: https://mcosar.com/donate/

Your support directly strengthens our ability to respond, rescue, and bring people home.

Overdue Hiker Located Monterey County Search and Rescue responded to a report of an overdue backpacker in a local wilder...
03/25/2026

Overdue Hiker Located

Monterey County Search and Rescue responded to a report of an overdue backpacker in a local wilderness area.

Ground searchers and e-bike teams were deployed to quickly cover a wide area. During the search, SAR personnel made contact with the subject in the field. The subject was unaware a search had been initiated, was uninjured, and was escorted safely back to the trailhead.

We’re glad this incident had a positive outcome and appreciate the coordinated effort of all team members involved.

Reminder: If your plans change while in the backcountry, make sure someone knows—clear communication can help prevent unnecessary search efforts.

Rescue Mission – Garrapata State ParkOn March 21 at approximately 1630 hours, a hiker in the Garrapata area became sever...
03/22/2026

Rescue Mission – Garrapata State Park

On March 21 at approximately 1630 hours, a hiker in the Garrapata area became severely fatigued and over heated and was unable to safely descend.

California State Parks, Mid Coast Fire, and Big Sur Fire responded alongside Search and Rescue. SAR personnel deployed with State Parks to reach the patient’s location.

The patient was assessed and prepared for a hoist operation. CHP H-70 conducted a successful pick-off, transporting the patient to a nearby roadway, where care was transferred to AMR for further medical evaluation.

We’re grateful for collaboration between all responding agencies that made this outcome possible.

Reminder: Always plan hikes within your limits, carry adequate water and nutrition, and be prepared for changing conditions.

Last weekend, members of the Monterey County Search and Rescue Team trained on rope rescue skills.Our newly sworn-in vol...
03/16/2026

Last weekend, members of the Monterey County Search and Rescue Team trained on rope rescue skills.

Our newly sworn-in volunteers learned rope basics and practiced their first rappels, while more experienced team members worked on pick-off rescues with and without a litter. These skills are critical for safely operating in steep and technical terrain.

Regular training ensures our volunteers stay prepared to respond when the community needs us.

Last week, six new volunteers were officially sworn in by Sheriff Tina Nieto and welcomed into the Monterey County Searc...
03/16/2026

Last week, six new volunteers were officially sworn in by Sheriff Tina Nieto and welcomed into the Monterey County Search and Rescue Team.

After completing the application process, they took the oath and officially joined the team. We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to the training and missions ahead.

Welcome to the team.

Address

1414 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA
93906

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm
Sunday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+18317553700

Website

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