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. 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 a
nd Rescue team, composed of many team members and several search dogs. The SAR team works with the Sheriff’s Office and with other teams, such as the Motorcycle Posse, the Mounted Posse, and similar teams from other counties (via mutual aid).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 a separately functioning unit in 1984. SAR Team members put in many hours of time each year, both in training and in performing searches. They have carried out their jobs on foot, in vehicles, and in the air. Searchers have been deployed for adults, children, and evidence. Rescue operations have been made for hikers, bikers, joggers, lost children, people with Alzheimer’s, and despondent individuals. 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 and effort continue to provide valuable search and rescue service to Santa Cruz County and beyond.
