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Mission-ready SAR for austere, high-risk environments.
When others cannot go, we will. When others cannot continue, we do.
Mission-ready SAR for austere, high-risk environments.
When others cannot go, we will. When others cannot continue, we do.
The SAR Ground Unit is the primary field response element of the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team. Operating directly under the Sheriff’s Office, ground units deploy on foot into remote and high-risk terrain to conduct searches, provide emergency medical care, establish access routes, and support rescue or recovery operations. Ground unit members navigate austere environments, maintain communications and accountability, and operate for extended periods in all conditions—serving as the boots on the ground until the mission is complete.
The SAR K9 provides specialized search capability through trained K9 teams. K9 teams deploy to locate missing or endangered persons using scent-based tracking and trailing, significantly increasing search speed and effectiveness in wilderness, urban-interface, and disaster environments. Working in close coordination with ground units and command staff, K9 handlers and their dogs operate in challenging terrain and conditions to rapidly develop leads, confirm search areas, and support successful mission outcomes.
The Technical Rope / High-Angle Rescue Unit provides specialized access and rescue capability in steep, vertical, and difficult-to-reach terrain. This unit deploys to cliffs, ravines, coastal bluffs, and confined spaces to safely access subjects, perform technical extrications, and support ground and maritime operations. Trained in advanced rope systems, patient packaging, and risk management, team members execute complex rescues with precision, efficiency, and a constant focus on safety in high-consequence environments.
The Swift Water / Flood Response Unit provides specialized rescue capability in moving water, flood conditions, and water-related emergencies. This unit deploys to rivers, creeks, flooded roadways, and urban-interface waterways to locate, access, and rescue persons endangered by swift currents or rising water. Trained in hydrology, boat and shore-based rescue techniques, and victim management, team members operate in cold, fast-moving, and unstable environments while coordinating with ground and technical teams to complete rescues safely and efficiently.
Currently Air Patrol is provided to us by the US Coast Guard, California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire, and the National Guard. These agencies assist us when conditions permit. They are useful in conducting visual searches clearing large areas rapidly. They use spotters and fly over the search area in an effort to spot clues or subjects. They are also useful when we cannot reach remote areas with our radios or repeater system. They orbit overhead while monitoring and relaying radio traffic from the command post to remote field teams.
Law enforcement officers are utilized mainly in urban searches. They conduct a cursory search of the area by putting out a BOLO (be on the lookout) to all their units. They provide us with investigative information and ground support. They are useful in following up on leads turned up by the search teams or by management.
Mutual Aid in our area is called CORSAR. Calls from surrounding areas go out when our search resources are used to their limits. All state agencies have a mutual aid agreement that says, “We will come when you need help.” Area teams communicate monthly and retain a working knowledge of the other teams.
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