San Andreas, CA…On September 12th, 2020, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) Team conducted their annual swift water rescue training. The training was held on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. The team trained on a variety of skills including defensive swimming, throw bag rescue, accessing and treating victims in the water, and many other specialized skillsets related to waterborne rescues.

As a volunteer arm of the Sheriff’s Department, the Search and Rescue Team is the primary agency responsible for searching for people who have become lost or injured in off-road and rural areas of Calaveras County. The team is trained for many disciplines ranging from providing medical aid to high angle rescue and they respond in every type of weather and in the most difficult terrain environments. The Search and Rescue team is part of the California Mutual Aid System and provides assistance to other counties in California when officially requested.

The dedication that each member shows in locating and rescuing lost or injured persons in and out of Calaveras County is reflected in the SAR motto which proudly reads: “So Others May Live.” The Sheriff’s Office depends on volunteers for search and rescue operations.

The Search and Rescue Team continually accepts applications. All required training is provided, no experience is necessary. If you are interested, please contact Sgt. Greg Stark (209)-754-6783 or visit the website at calaverassar.org.