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Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue

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Salinas, CA
Monterey County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue

So that others may live MCSO SAR volunteers respond to an average of 65 emergency calls each year. Make sure to ID the donation for SAR.

Typical missions include:

· Wilderness searches for missing or injured hikers.
· Urban searches for Alzheimer's patients or lost children.
· Rescuing injured hikers in the backcountry.
· Swift water rescues due to flooding.
· Rescues or recoveries resulting from vehicles that drive off cliffs.
· Evidence or abduction searches for law enforcement.
· Searches for downed aircraft.
· Body recoveries

of various types.
· Mutual aid searches during urban disasters. Our team enjoys a close working relationship with all Monterey County Fire Urban Search and Rescue units; local, state, and federal parks and forest services; and local and state law enforcement agencies. How to Support Us:

The Sheriff's Advisory Council Search and Rescue team is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which depends on the support of the community. All contributions are tax deductible and are used directly for program operations, including equipment, rescues, and education. You can support us by donating online at https://www.sheriffsadvisorycouncil.org/donate/. Checks can be made out to SAC - reference SAR in the memo line and mail to "Monterey County Sheriff's Advisory Council, P.O. Box 2556, Salinas, CA 93902"

08/31/2026

Search & Rescue Response – Toro Area

Last night, Monterey County Search & Rescue assisted with a search for a reported lost hiker on the backside of Toro, closer to the River Road community.

Our team deployed into the area while Monterey County Fire/USAR crews searched from a different access point. After several hours of searching, the hiker was located around midnight and was safely escorted out of the area.

Another late-night search, another safe outcome. Big thanks to everyone who headed out into the dark to help bring this one to a safe conclusion.

08/11/2026

Monterey County Search & Rescue – Timber Fire Response

Monterey County Search & Rescue volunteers have been assisting with evacuation operations in the Big Sur area in response to the Timber Fire.

Our volunteers are working alongside partner agencies to support the safety and evacuation of residents and visitors in affected areas.

We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers and all of the agencies working together to protect our community.

Please continue to monitor official emergency notifications and follow all evacuation orders and instructions.

07/16/2026

Last weekend, Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers conducted high-angle and low-angle rope rescue training, sharpening the technical skills needed to safely reach and rescue people in challenging terrain.

During the high-angle training, we also had the opportunity to participate in a photo shoot with Kali Protectives, who generously donated helmets to our team. We sincerely appreciate their support of volunteer Search and Rescue and their commitment to helping keep our members safe.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who continue to dedicate their time to training, so we’re ready when our community needs us. Monterey County Sheriff MontereyCo. Sheriff’s Advisory

07/06/2026

Over the past two weeks, Monterey County Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two backcountry incidents requiring teamwork, technical skills, and coordination with partner agencies.

On June 28, SAR volunteers responded to Big Sur for an injured hiker suffering from a head injury. Five SAR members worked together to safely package and carry the patient out of rugged terrain for medical care.

This week, SAR responded to the Arroyo Seco Gorge after a hiker became stranded overnight after getting off route. With assistance from MCSO drone operators, SAR ground teams located the hiker, provided care, and assisted with a helicopter extraction by CHP Coastal Air Operations Division.

These missions highlight the importance of training, teamwork, and strong partnerships across agencies. We are grateful to all responders who helped bring these incidents to a safe conclusion.

MontereyCo. Sheriff’s Advisory Monterey County Sheriff

06/09/2026

Waterfalls. Rope systems. Steep terrain. Teamwork.

Last weekend, Monterey County Search & Rescue volunteers trained in Kirk Creek to develop and maintain the specialized canyoneering skills needed for rescues in some of the county’s most challenging environments.

When emergencies happen beyond the trail, our volunteers need to be ready to go where others can’t.

This is why we train.

05/31/2026

Busy week for Monterey County Search and Rescue!

📍 May 28 – Big Sur
MCSO Search and Rescue responded to a report of a lost hiker who became disoriented and went off the Dutra Trail during inclement weather. SAR ground teams located the hiker and safely extracted them with the assistance of a UTV.

📍 May 30 – Soberanes Loop Trail
MCSO Search and Rescue responded after a hiker fell off-trail and sustained a serious leg injury. Working alongside California State Parks, Carmel Valley CERT, Cal Fire, and Mid Coast Fire Brigade, rescuers located the patient, provided medical care, and packaged them for transport. The patient was then moved to a suitable zone where CHP H-70 conducted a helicopter extraction to a waiting ground ambulance.

We are grateful for the teamwork and coordination of all responding agencies that helped bring these incidents to a successful conclusion.

Monterey County Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization that provides emergency search and rescue services throughout Monterey County at no cost to those in need. If you’d like to support our mission, please consider making a donation at mcosar.com/donate.

05/14/2026

🚁 Training Days with CHP Air Operations 🚁

On April 28–29, two Monterey County Search and Rescue members attended CHP Hoist Rescue Training in Greenfield alongside personnel from multiple fire agencies across the region.

Training included:
• Equipment review
• Single-skid operations
• Victim packaging & extraction
• Tag line operations
• Scenario-based rescue missions
• Tree canopy insertions/extractions

This was an outstanding opportunity to sharpen critical rescue skills and work alongside incredible public safety partners. A huge thank you to the CHP Paso Robles Air Operations Unit crew for their professionalism, knowledge, and outstanding instruction throughout the training. It’s always a pleasure training with them.

We’re grateful for the continued partnership and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

05/05/2026

Monterey County Search and Rescue was proud to support the Wildflower Triathlon 2026 this past weekend. Our volunteers deployed on e-mountain bikes to patrol the trail portion of the course, providing rapid response and standby medical assistance to help ensure participant safety throughout the event.

We’re grateful to Monterey County Parks and their dedicated rangers for their partnership and for lending us a side-by-side vehicle, which enhanced our operational capability in the field.

Events like this are a great reminder of the value of collaboration between agencies and the role trained volunteers play in keeping our community safe. Thank you to the race organizers, participants, and fellow public safety partners for a successful weekend.

04/19/2026

This weekend at the Sea Otter Classic, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team showcased equipment used during SAR missions, such as bicycles and a rescue litter. Our Search and Rescue Team connected with the community to promote safety awareness and highlight volunteer opportunities. In addition, our SAR volunteers helped serve as support personnel during the event.

04/14/2026

Last Saturday, our team trained along the rugged Big Sur coastline, sharpening critical high-angle rope rescue skills in one of the most challenging environments we serve. From steep cliffs to unpredictable conditions, these scenarios demand precision, teamwork, and constant training to stay mission-ready.

Our volunteers dedicate countless hours to ensure we can respond when it matters most—but we can’t do it alone. We currently have pressing needs for updated equipment, uniforms, and continued training to keep our team safe and effective in the field.

If you’d like to support our mission and help us save lives, please consider donating: https://mcosar.com/donate/

Your support directly strengthens our ability to respond, rescue, and bring people home.

Address

1414 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA
93906

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	8am - 12pm
Sunday	8am - 12pm

Telephone

+18317553700

Website

https://mcosar.com/

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