Our Team's Affiliations
Our Team's Affiliations
Embedded Files
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Washoe County Search and Rescue works hand-in-hand with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office to serve our community. As an official volunteer resource for the county, our members are sworn auxiliary deputies of the WCSO. This close partnership allows us to work seamlessly alongside other local and regional emergency service organizations, combining our backcountry skills with their oversight and resources to bring loved ones home safely.
Mountain Rescue Association
Mountain Rescue Association
WCSAR is a fully-accredited member of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), an organization dedicated to saving lives through rescue, rehabilitation, and safety education. To maintain our MRA accreditation, our team undergoes rigorous, regular re-certification in wilderness search, high-angle technical rope rescue, and winter/avalanche operations. This affiliation ensures our community receives a professional, elite level of backcountry response that meets national search and rescue benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you charge for your search and rescue services?
Q: Do you charge for your search and rescue services?
A: No, we firmly believe that no one should ever hesitate to call for help when the need arises. Thanks to our partnership with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and the generosity of our donors, our rescue services are provided at zero cost to the subject or their family.
Q: Can I join WCSAR just to help out with administrative, social media, or support tasks?
Q: Can I join WCSAR just to help out with administrative, social media, or support tasks?
A: Because of the unique nature of our mission, we do not have administrative-only or "sideline" roles. Every single member of WCSAR is a field responder and must be sworn in as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. While our members certainly help with behind-the-scenes tasks, everyone is required to maintain the physical fitness and training necessary to deploy into the field when a call comes.
Q: Since you partner with the Sheriff's Office, why do you need donations?
Q: Since you partner with the Sheriff's Office, why do you need donations?
A: While the Washoe County Sheriff's Office generously provides our command staff, team vehicles and foundational oversight, WCSAR operates as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We rely entirely on community donations and grants to fund our highly specialized technical team gear, advanced medical supplies, training resources, and certifications. Your tax-deductible donations provide the specialized tools our volunteers need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
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