Search & Rescue

As an all-volunteer organization with more than 120 members covering all of Mohave County, our mission is to conduct search and rescue missions, technical recoveries, evacuations, aiding during fires and other disasters, evidence searches, as well as other duties as requested by the Sheriff. Under Arizona State Statutes, all search and rescue in Mohave County is provided by the Sheriff at no charge to those who require assistance. We come in during the darkest hours of someone’s life to provide assistance. We do not want someone to not call for help thinking there is a price tax that will come with it and result in a greater misfortune.

Due to the size and varying terrain of Mohave County, we are organized into four units that are geographically and strategically located around the county. These units are 501(c)(3) organizations and staffed entirely by volunteers that play an important part during emergencies:

• Lake Havasu SAR Unit
• Bullhead SAR Unit
• Kingman SAR Unit
• Arizona Strip SAR Unit

Members in each of these units receive a basic-level of search and rescue training and then build and refine their skill sets with more technical training focused in various disciplines such as tracking, technical rope rescues and swift water rescues.

Interested in joining Mohave County Search and Rescue? We are always looking for individuals with a positive attitude who are community service oriented. Search and rescue operations require dedication and commitment but can also be very fun and rewarding. Our members must have a capable 4-wheel drive vehicle and be willing and prepared to be called out at all times of the day or night, sometimes in very inclement weather. They must also be willing and able to follow orders and direction from other members who are in positions of authority within the unit. Since this is a totally "volunteer" organization, our members must be prepared to pay for much of their own equipment and expenses out of their own pockets. However, fuel for the vehicle used on a mission is reimbursed.

If this sounds like an organization you would like to be a part of, please read our membership requirements listed below:

1. The applicant must be 21 years of age or older.
2. The applicant must fill out a written application including a fingerprint card, and full- length color photograph and submit the corresponding application fee (varies by Unit)
3. A background check is also included in the application process.
4. The applicant must attend three consecutive monthly meetings and be voted on by the members.
5. The applicant must serve a 12-month probation period which starts with the first month after acceptance by the membership.
6. Once admitted to the unit, the new member must attend a 32-hour Basic Academy and obtain a Volunteer Identification Card from the Sheriff’s Office and the proper uniform for public functions (Class A) and search and rescue activities (orange T-shirt or other field uniform).

For more information on joining the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, please contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 753-0753 at extension 4221 or visit our website: www.mohavesar.com

DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING:

The all-volunteer Mohave County Search and Rescue appreciates the monetary support it receives from corporations, small businesses, and individuals. Each Unit has a Federal tax-exempt status under IRS section 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible. The donated money is used for necessary unit equipment and specialized gear. Each member buys their own personal equipment and outfits their own vehicle. For further information about our fundraising events or if you wish to make a donation to Mohave County Search and Rescue, please contact us at (928) 753-0753 Ext. 4221. You can also visit our website: www.mohavesar.com
 

Play Safe

In September 2000, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue participated in a night search north of Kingman for two missing boys, ages 10 and 11. The next morning the boys’ bodies were found in Mohave Wash - they had been buried alive when the wash bank caved in on the hole they were digging.

This tragedy underscored the need to inform and educate children of the potential dangers of playing in a rural desert environment. As the population of Mohave County changes from individuals raised in this desert environment and aware of the potential dangers, to those primarily from an urban upbringing and not fully aware of the dangers, the need is increased.

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue attempts to address this need for information by making an awareness program available to school-aged children.

This copyrighted program is called PLAY SAFE and consists of presentations by Search and Rescue volunteers at schools, churches, and other organizations. The presentations are built around four common sense rules. To emphasize the rules, accounts of actual searches/rescues where one of the rules had not been followed is included. Also included in the presentations are videos, news clips, and demonstrations. At the end of the program the children are given a colorful laminated bookmark with the PLAY SAFE rules and the telephone number of the Sheriff’s office. They are encouraged to share this information with their family.

For further information on the PLAY SAFE program, contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue at P.O. Box 3392, Kingman, AZ 86402, or at 928-753-0753 Ext. 4221.