Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue

05/21/2026

This week is National Search and Rescue Week, and we would like to take a moment to honor our incredible volunteers for their dedication and service to our community.

Just this week alone, our teams have contributed hundreds of man-hours on Search and Rescue operations, including the successful rescue of a lost hiker and the safe recovery of an elderly man with dementia.

Day or night, in difficult terrain and challenging conditions, these volunteers answer the call whenever there is a need. Their commitment, professionalism, and selfless service make a difference when people are experiencing some of the hardest moments of their lives.

Please join us in sending a huge thank you to all of our Search and Rescue volunteers for the sacrifices they make so that others may live. We are grateful for each and every one of you. 🧡

Yesterday, a 90-year-old Arlington man living with dementia went missing. Thankfully, he was located shortly after by search and rescue canine team K9 Banks and handler Linda Binkley, along with support person Nikki Lembke.

An incredible find and outstanding teamwork by everyone involved. The gentleman was found just in time, and the outcome could have been very different had Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue not located him when they did. Great work to all involved!

05/10/2026

🚨 Mission Recap 🚨

Early this morning, SCVSAR responded with a hasty team of two EMTs to assist a backpacker experiencing a medical emergency in the backcountry.

After arriving on scene, our hasty team assessed and treated the patient. It quickly became apparent that, due to the patient’s condition, they would not be able to safely walk out. A request was made for a helicopter evacuation, and SnoHawk 10 responded to hoist the patient from the scene and transport them to Providence ER for further care.

At the same time, additional SCVSAR ground teams began hiking in with extra medical and rescue equipment in the event inclement weather or other conditions prevented the helicopter from completing the hoist mission. Having backup plans and multiple resources in motion is an important part of how SAR operations are conducted safely and effectively.

The patient and patient’s partner were able to initiate the rescue using the Emergency SOS feature on their iPhone, allowing communication through satellite texting where there was no cell service. Through coordination between Snohomish County 911, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, and the SCVSAR hasty team, responders were able to exchange information with the patient prior to teams arriving on scene, helping us better assess the seriousness of the situation and respond appropriately.

This mission highlights the importance of preparation, communication, and teamwork in the backcountry. Technology like satellite emergency messaging can be a valuable tool when used alongside proper planning and preparedness.

Thank you to all of our responders who helped get this patient out of the backcountry safely.

Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team Snohomish County 911

04/25/2026

Curious if SAR is right for you? Our monthly information sessions are a great way to get your questions answered! Join us for our next info session!

Friday, May 1st
7:00 PM
Taylor’s Landing: 5506 Old Machias Road, Snohomish, WA 98290

You will have the opportunity to meet current SAR members, learn about our organization, search and rescue, available training, participation requirements, and more!

In addition, attendees will get to see examples of what gear we require so you can think about what you already may have at home versus what you may still need to acquire upon joining the organization.

Join us! We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions.

04/17/2026

🚨 SCVSAR Unit Spotlight: Explorer Search and Rescue (ESAR) 🚨

Search and rescue isn’t just for adults. The Explorer Search and Rescue (ESAR) unit is where the next generation of SAR volunteers gets their start.

Open to youth ages 14–21, ESAR members train in navigation, survival skills, first aid, and teamwork while gaining real experience in search and rescue operations across Snohomish County. ESAR members are required to complete the same training as our adult members and deploy alongside our adult members equally.

Many ESAR members continue their SAR journey by joining one of our adult units when they turn 18.

ESAR meets monthly at Taylor’s Landing in Snohomish for training and coordination.

Pictured here is an ESAR member being lowered on a rope rescue system at a training event.

Interested in learning more? Join one of our informational meetings held the first Friday of each month at Taylors Landing in Snohomish (5506 Old Machias Road, Snohomish, WA 98290), or visit: https://scvsar.org/

04/16/2026

🍔 Today’s the Day! Support SCVSAR at Five Guys 🍔

Today, April 16, stop by Five Guys in Marysville or Monroe and support Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SCVSAR)!

📍 Marysville & Monroe locations
• Monroe – 14650 N Kelsey St
• Marysville – 2707 171st Pl NE

⏰ 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Enjoy a meal while supporting your local SAR volunteers—a portion of proceeds goes directly to Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue.

Thank you for supporting our team—we hope to see you today!

04/15/2026

🍔 Tomorrow! Support SCVSAR at Five Guys 🍔

Join us tomorrow, April 16, for a fundraiser supporting Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SCVSAR)!

📍 Five Guys 🍔 Locations:
• Monroe – 14650 N Kelsey St
• Marysville – 2707 171st Pl NE

⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Stop by, grab a meal, and support your local Search and Rescue team. A portion of the proceeds will go directly toward our operations and equipment.

We’d love to see you there—bring your friends and family!

04/12/2026

🍔 Support SCVSAR – Fundraiser with Five Guys! 🍔

Join us on April 16 for a fundraiser supporting Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SCVSAR) in partnership with Five Guys!

📍 Locations:
• Monroe – 14650 N Kelsey St
• Marysville – 2707 171st Pl NE

⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Stop by anytime throughout the day, grab a meal, and help support SCVSAR. A portion of the proceeds will go directly toward supporting our volunteers, equipment, and ongoing operations.

Bring your friends, family, and appetite—we appreciate your support and hope to see you there!

04/11/2026

🚨 SCVSAR Unit Spotlight: Snohomish Unit 🚨

Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SCVSAR) is made up of several geographic units across the county. Volunteers typically join the unit closest to where they live, but no matter which unit we train with, all members respond to the same county-wide missions—searching for lost hikers, assisting injured individuals, and helping locate missing persons.

The Snohomish Unit meets monthly at Taylor’s Landing in Snohomish for training and coordination.

Interested in learning more about Search and Rescue? Come to an informational meeting on the first Friday of each month at Taylors Landing in Snohomish (5506 Old Machias Road, Snohomish, WA 98290). No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and a passion for helping others.

Pictured here are members on outreach patrols and a public education event with the kids copter.

Interested in learning more? Visit: https://scvsar.org/

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting the units that make up SCVSAR.

04/06/2026

We enjoyed having the opportunity to share about what we do for the community.