The Arizona Search and Rescue Coordinators Association (ASARCA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in the 1980s to support Arizona Sheriffs in fulfilling their statutory search and rescue responsibilities. ASARCA works to develop training standards, enhance search techniques, and promote consistency among SAR volunteers, county coordinators, and supporting agencies across the state.

 

Search and Rescue in Arizona

Each year, more than 750 Search and Rescue (SAR) missions are carried out across Arizona.
These operations involve individuals who are lost, injured, stranded, or deceased—often in remote and difficult-to-access areas. By law, Sheriffs in all 15 Arizona counties are responsible for managing these missions.
To carry out these operations, Arizona Sheriffs have appointed certain deputies to serve as search and rescue coordinators. In addition, they have established volunteer groups specializing in various SAR disciplines. These volunteers play a crucial role in the success of search and rescue efforts, which would not be as effective without their involvement.
Training is an integral part of SAR activities across Arizona. Sheriff’s SAR volunteers donate thousands of hours of time, much of their own equipment, and all their expertise to serve the public and save lives. Annually, more than 1,000 “training missions” are coordinated to further each team’s effectiveness by enhancing skills and maintaining proficiency.
The Arizona Search & Rescue Coordinators Association has proudly adopted the motto “So that others may live”, as this encompasses the spirit of why we dedicate so much of ourselves, for the betterment of our communities.

Highlights

This site contains many documents, presentations, free software and links to outside sites that are beneficial for SAR teams and required for ASARCA classes. The Training page will have dates for all upcoming ASARCA classes and events and may have the links to the registration forms.

 You can also download copies of the new AZ SAR Task Books to start working towards the various levels of certification by using the SAR Taskbooks  page.

If you are interested in joining Search & Rescue in Arizona you will need to contact your local Sheriff’s Office to find out how to join their program.  Each county has separate rules, processes and teams.