California Search and Rescue (CALSAR) is a volunteer search and rescue team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Unlike most search and rescue teams, CALSAR doesn't operate in just one county. Instead, we are deployed as mutual aid to help other counties and SAR organizations throughout California at the direction of the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

CALSAR’s purpose is dedicated to serving as a well-equipped response team for search and rescue emergencies under the jurisdiction of Cal OES as well as performing other acts beneficial to the community. These efforts reflect our commitment to enhancing community safety and well-being. CALSAR is also a charter member of the Bay Area Search & Rescue Council and serves as a SAR and training resource.

History

California Search & Rescue (formerly California Explorer Search & Rescue or Cal-ESAR) grew from the Explorer Program of the Boy Scouts of America (Post 12 chartered in 1969). CALSAR has since evolved into it's own separate search and rescue organization, fully self-funded and independently run.

In the Explorer days, Post 12 became the first certified Explorer Search & Rescue unit in California, and in 1974 began responding to rescue missions and performed other public service activities. In 1986, Post 12 became the first Explorer Search & Rescue unit under the California Office of Emergency Services serving a statewide area of response.

CALSAR is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that is prepared to respond 24/7/365. All team members provide their own equipment and transportation and take time from work to perform searches and training. Donations go towards maintenance and supplies and also replacing obsolete communications, rescue, and medical equipment. 

Please consider supporting us! All of our funding comes from membership dues, grants, and donations from people like you or your organization. CALSAR is listed as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the Internal Revenue Service and all donations are tax deductible.