Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue

Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue is a ground SAR unit with both Adult and Youth volunteers We also provide communications assistance for local events.

We assist local law enforcement in the search for missing persons in urban and wilderness environments, natural disasters, recovery of evidence and evacuation of the injured. PCESAR is a non-profit volunteer organization. Our members range in age from 14-70+. Though we are always recruiting new members, our training season runs from November-April. For more information or to contact our recruiter, visit our website.

09/04/2026

The National Park Service is searching for Neil Gehring, 26, who left the Madison Falls Trailhead in Olympic National Park on August 31. According to his backcountry permit, Neil intended to make a cross-country traverse from Boulder Lake to Appleton Pass, returning to the Madison Falls Trailhead on September 1. He was reported overdue at 6:30 a.m. on September 2. Search efforts began immediately after notification. Anyone who was in the area or has information that may assist the search is asked to call the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or email [email protected].

Ready to do something to help others?Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue (PCESAR) is preparing for our next training ...
08/31/2026

Ready to do something to help others?

Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue (PCESAR) is preparing for our next training class, and we have several upcoming orientations for anyone interested in learning more about joining our team!

PCESAR members train to respond to real-world search and rescue missions throughout Pierce County and beyond. From wilderness searches and missing vulnerable persons to evidence searches and disaster response, our volunteers train to be ready when our community needs us.

Come to an orientation to learn about who we are, what we do, our training program, membership expectations, and how you can get involved.

Upcoming Orientations:

September 16 – 5:30 PM | ESAR Station
September 18 – 6:00 PM | ESAR Station
September 22 – 6:00 PM | Virtual
October 1 – 6:00 PM | ESAR Station
October 18 – 10:00 AM | ESAR Station

ESAR Station
10923 54th St E
Puyallup, WA 98372

No SAR experience? That's okay. We'll train you. Come find out if Search & Rescue is for you.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up for an orientation!

Real people. Real training. Real impact.

08/27/2026

Join search and rescue professionals from across the Pacific Northwest at the 2026 PNW SAR Conference in Yelm, WA. Experience hands-on training, expert-led workshops, and team networking to strengthen SAR skills and collaboration.

08/23/2026

***UPDATE***
Nathaniel has been located thanks to community members that called in after seeing our post! He is on his way home!

Missing Vulnerable Adult

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to please keep an eye out for Nathaniel and help us get him home safely to his family.

Nathaniel, who has Autism, left his home on foot around 2:15 p.m. on August 22nd from the 7600 block of 180th St. E in the South Hill/Puyallup area. His family is understandably worried and just wants him home safe. Nathaniel was last seen wearing:

A gray “Tokyo” shirt
Dark blue pants
Bright orange shoes with no laces

If you see Nathaniel or have any information about where he may be, CALL 911!

**UPDATE**The subject has been located safely. Our members are deploying to assist Pierce County Sheriff's Office with a...
08/23/2026

**UPDATE**

The subject has been located safely.

Our members are deploying to assist Pierce County Sheriff's Office with a missing male with autism in the south hill area.

What if your next adventure could help save someone's life?Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue is looking for those w...
07/20/2026

What if your next adventure could help save someone's life?

Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue is looking for those who want to challenge themselves, develop real-world skills, and make a difference in their community.

As a PCESAR member you'll train in:
-Wilderness navigation
-Wilderness medical care
-Rope rescue
-Search operations
-Radio communications
-Incident Command

When someone goes missing, we answer the call.

No previous Search and Rescue experience is required—we'll provide the training. All we ask is a willingness to learn, work hard, and serve others. Applications are open now until October 15th!

Ready to begin your adventure?

Learn more and apply today. Check out our website at the link below for more details https://www.soothersmaylive.org/join-pcesar

Be sure to check the orientation and training dates to ensure you are available for Course 1, Searcher First Aid, 2, 3, and 4. Each course (except Course 4) is offered twice; you must attend only one of the two weekends. 

**UPDATE**The child has been found and is back with their family. Searchers are enroute for a missing 6 y/o with Autism ...
07/19/2026

**UPDATE**

The child has been found and is back with their family.

Searchers are enroute for a missing 6 y/o with Autism in the Graham area. As information is released by Law Enforcement we will share those posts on our social media platforms.

Happy Fourth of July from Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue! Today we celebrate our nation and the freedoms we are ...
07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue!

Today we celebrate our nation and the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy every day. We are especially grateful to the men and women of our military, first responders, and the countless volunteers who dedicate their time to serving their communities.

As you celebrate with family and friends, please remember to stay safe:
• Leave fireworks to the professionals whenever possible.
• Stay hydrated and prepared for the summer heat.
• If you’re heading outdoors, let someone know your plans and carry the essentials.
• Keep a close eye on children and pets, as loud celebrations can be stressful and disorienting.

Our volunteers remain ready to respond if called upon, and we hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable holiday.

From all of us at Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue, have a safe and Happy Independence Day!

06/04/2026

The second incident featured in the clip involved two of our volunteers from Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue.

While out hiking and exploring the area, they unexpectedly came upon an emergency involving injured parties with a vehicle accident. Without hesitation, they immediately put their training into action. One volunteer used their unit-programmed radio due to no cell coverage to establish communications and coordinate an emergency response from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department, ensuring responding resources had the information they needed. The second volunteer quickly made access to the patients and began providing care while awaiting the arrival of first responders.

Both volunteers demonstrated exceptional composure, professionalism, and maturity under stressful circumstances. Most importantly, they operated entirely within the scope of their training, recognizing the emergency, activating the appropriate resources, maintaining clear communications, and providing immediate assistance until additional help arrived. Their actions reflect the high standards of training, teamwork, and service that our members strive to uphold; even when they are off duty.

We are incredibly proud of these young volunteers and the way they represented both themselves and our organization. Their quick thinking and calm response helped ensure the patients received care as rapidly as possible.

If stories like this inspire you and you’re interested in learning valuable emergency response, search and rescue skills, navigation, first aid, and leadership skills while serving your community, we encourage you to learn more about joining Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue. We need dedicated youth and adult volunteers who want to make a difference when their community needs them most. Applications will be open later this month! Check out our website for details!

Address

10923 54th Street E
Puyallup, WA
98372

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