San Andreas, CA…On behalf of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Rick DiBasilio is pleased to recognize the 35th Anniversary of the Calaveras County Search and Rescue Team’s existence as an official branch of the Sheriff’s Office. While previous Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have existed in Calaveras County for over 50 years, in 1987 the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution which authorized the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office to oversee search and rescue operations in Calaveras County which unified previous SAR teams. The result was the organization of the SAR team as it exists today.

Sheriff Rick DiBasilio would like to personally extend gratitude to the many men and women who have sacrificed their time, personal funds, and efforts by being Search and Rescue Volunteers. While reviewing the documentation of successful searches and incidents, he noted that:

“Throughout the years, we have been blessed with many excellent people who displayed selfless service to find and aid those who have become lost or injured and needed rescuing. We couldn’t do it without the SAR Team. They are a great group of individuals who risk their own safety to help others with no expectation of reward. We thank them for their service and invite everyone in the county to recognize and thank them too.”

Sheriff DiBasilio also noted that the dedication and existence of the SAR team annually saves an extraordinary amount of taxpayer funds by way of volunteer labor.

As a volunteer arm of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, the Search and Rescue Team is the primary agency responsible for searching for people who have become lost or injured in rural areas of Calaveras County. The dedication that each member shows is reflected in the SAR motto which proudly reads: “So Others May Live”.
In honor of this milestone, The Calaveras County Search and Rescue Team has commissioned a commemorative coin and four patches depicting historical Search and Rescue Patches and the Team’s 35th Anniversary. Coins may be purchased for the amount of $25 and Patches for $20 each. Additionally, a Bundle Package will be offered to include all four patches and one coin for $100. Proceeds will go to the volunteer Calaveras County Search and Rescue Team and will directly offset the costs of team equipment. The Calaveras County Search and Rescue team is a tax-exempt volunteer organization.

A 35-year report honoring the Calaveras County Search and Rescue Team has been created. This report contains an overview, history, summaries of notable search and rescue operations, and more. This report is available on Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office website and by clicking this link:

https://sheriff.calaverasgov.us/Portals/Sheriff/Documents/File%20Logs/Press%20Releases/2022/35th%20Anniversary%20SAR%20Report.pdf

The Search and Rescue Team continually accepts applications. All required training is provided and no previous experience is necessary. If you are interested in joining the Search and Rescue team, or for information on purchasing a badge, coin, or the bundle, please contact Lt. Greg Stark (209)-754-6783.