About Us

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team "Contra Costa SAR" consists of full-time deputies and trained volunteers under the direction of Contra Costa County Sheriff Emergency Services Division.  Most of us are unpaid volunteers with specialized search & rescue training provided by the team.  The Team's mission is to provide highly trained search and rescue resources to the citizens of Contra Costa County and other agencies according to the State of California Mutual Aid Plan. Additionally, the Team is committed to provide medical, evidence and educational support as needed at the request of the Sheriff.

Contra Costa SAR operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days per year in almost any conditions. During any given week, the Team may respond to multiple "call outs" that may include:

• A wilderness technical rope rescue
• An urban search for an Alzheimer walk-away or missing child
• Downed aircraft search, rescue and recovery
• Medical support for a mass casualty incident
• Community preparedness and preventative SAR education

Contra Costa SAR is one of the largest teams in California and operates in a variety of terrains, conditions and environments.  

In addition to trained ground searchers, the Team includes a number of specialized resources including:

• Canine unit
• Bicycle unit
• Mounted / equestrian unit
• Metal detector unit
• Trackers
• Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
• Mountain Rescue Group
• Explorers

In addition, the Team works closely with the following groups:

• Air patrol
• Dive squad
• Various law enforcement groups in the Bay Area

For more information, email info@contracostasar.org or call the Volunteer Services Coordinator at (925) 646-4461