Search and Rescue Teams

The purpose of the Placer County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Dog team is to provide highly skilled and specialized canine search and rescue services to the community, with the primary goal of locating and saving missing or lost individuals in various terrains and conditions. Our dedicated team of trained handlers and search dogs work collaboratively to locate individuals swiftly and efficiently in distress, bringing them to safety and providing crucial support to our community in times of crisis. Through rigorous training, ongoing education, and a commitment to professionalism, our Search and Rescue Dog team strives to enhance public safety, alleviate suffering, and bring solace to families by utilizing the unique capabilities of our four-legged partners in the relentless pursuit of saving lives.

The purpose of the Placer County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Four Wheel Drive team is to provide specialized, off-road response capabilities to access remote and rugged terrains efficiently and safely during search and rescue operations. Our dedicated team of highly trained and skilled personnel, equipped with robust four-wheel-drive vehicles and specialized equipment, serves as a critical resource in locating and rescuing individuals in challenging environments. With a focus on agility, adaptability, and expertise in off-road navigation, we work collaboratively with other search and rescue teams to reach inaccessible areas, traverse difficult terrain, and deliver timely assistance to those in distress. Through our commitment to excellence, preparedness, and the highest standards of professionalism, the Search and Rescue Four Wheel Drive team strives to enhance the overall effectiveness of search and rescue operations, provide essential support to our community, and ultimately save lives in the most challenging circumstances.

The Ground Search Team conducts searches on foot, and it is often the first team called out for a search. In order to be search ready, members must complete over 100 hours of specialized training, including:

• First Aid
• CPR
• Map and Compass
• Man Tracking
• Rough Terrain Rescue
• Search and Rescue Fundamentals
• Wilderness Survival

In addition, some team members have additional medical training as Emergency Medical Technicians.

It is our goal to be a highly trained and dedicated volunteer group that utilizes nationally recognized standards of search and rescue to assist the Placer County Sheriff's Office in its efforts to save lives and property. We respond to calls for aid in a responsible, respectful, and timely manner so as to maximize our value to our community.

Additional Information

For more information about our team, including membership information and upcoming events, please visit the Placer Ground Search and rescue Camp website.

The purpose of the Placer County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Incident Command Support Group is to provide comprehensive and efficient logistical and administrative support to incident command during search and rescue operations. Our dedicated team of trained professionals, equipped with specialized skills and knowledge in incident management, ensures the seamless coordination and effective functioning of command centers and base operations. Through the establishment of clear communication channels, resource coordination, documentation management, and situational awareness, we facilitate the decision-making process and enhance operational efficiency during critical incidents. By maintaining accurate records, providing essential resources, and managing vital information, the Incident Command Support Group enables incident command to focus on strategic decision-making and the overall management of search and rescue operations. With a commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and operational excellence, our team plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of search and rescue missions, ultimately serving the needs of our community, and saving lives.

The purpose of the Placer County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Motorcycle team is to provide rapid and agile response capabilities in search and rescue operations, particularly in areas where traditional vehicles may face limitations. Our dedicated team of highly skilled and trained riders, equipped with specialized motorcycles and gear, is prepared to navigate diverse terrains and quickly access remote locations. By leveraging the maneuverability and speed of motorcycles, we enhance the efficiency of search and rescue efforts, covering larger areas and reaching inaccessible or challenging terrain more effectively. With a focus on safety, expertise in off-road riding, and extensive knowledge of search and rescue techniques, our team supports the overall mission of locating and rescuing individuals in distress. By working closely with other search and rescue teams and leveraging our unique capabilities, the Motorcycle team contributes to the rapid response and successful outcomes of search and rescue operations, ultimately saving lives and serving the needs of our community.

Mountain Rescue: The purpose of the Placer County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Mountain Rescue team is to provide specialized and skilled personnel for the safe and efficient rescue of individuals in mountainous and alpine environments. Our dedicated team of highly trained and experienced mountaineers, equipped with specialized gear and knowledge, is prepared to respond to emergencies in rugged and challenging terrains. With expertise in technical rope rescue, snow and ice climbing, avalanche response, and wilderness survival, we are committed to saving lives and mitigating risks in the mountainous regions of our community. By collaborating with other search and rescue teams and utilizing advanced mountain rescue techniques, our team strives to locate, access, stabilize, and evacuate individuals in distress, often in extreme weather conditions and hazardous situations. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence, preparedness, and the highest standards of safety, the Mountain Rescue team serves as a critical resource in providing life-saving assistance and support to our community members who venture into the mountains.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Mounted Unit is located at the base of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. We cover all types of riding terrain from flat, urban environments to breathtaking mountain trails and canyons. We are a volunteer group working for the Sheriff’s Office and therefore represent Placer County and the Sheriff’s Office. We are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Although our home base is in Placer County, we often respond to other counties to assist with Search and Rescue efforts as needed.

Searching from horseback offers some unique experiences and a different “view” while searching. Working with our equine partners also means we have a second set of eyes, ears and a very keen nose (a horse’s nose is similar to a dog’s in sensitivity) to help us find what we are looking for.

Join Us

We are always looking for new riders who are interested in giving their time back to our community to help others in need. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. If you are interested in finding out more about us please email the Placer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Office.

The Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team was conceived in 1976 as a response to the death of a boy lost off the back side of Northstar-At-Tahoe ski area during a blizzard. There was, at the time, no organized backcountry ski team to help search for the boy. Desperate phone calls to some local Nordic skiers produced a search party that eventually located the youth, but only after it was too late.

This group of skiers, along with the boy's father (who today still remains one of the Nordic Team's most active members), learned there was an important void to be filled. Thus, the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team was born. Based in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area, the Team has matured considerably after 20 years but the goals remain the same; Conducting fast, safe rescues and educating the public on winter safety. 

Staff

The Nordic Team consists of a wide variety of individuals. The Team has EMTs, emergency room nurses, firefighters, professional ski patrollers, paramedics, and MDs as active members. The level of medical, mountain, and skiing skills among the members is very high. In addition to the search and rescues, about 100 people handle Team committees such as:

• Bookkeeping
• Dispatch
• Education
• Equipment upkeep
• Monthly newsletter
• Training

Meetings

General meetings are held the first Monday of each month, October through May, at the Granlibakken Ski Hut in Tahoe City at 7 p.m. New members are always encouraged to join this fun and diverse group.

Contact

For more information, contact Devin Heimstra 310-597-1168 or email Devin Heimstra