What is CALSAR?

California Search and Rescue (CALSAR) is a volunteer search and rescue team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We respond to searches throughout California.

Operating under the direction of the California Office of Emergency Services, CALSAR consists of members who volunteer their services and dedicate their time. CALSAR is a charter member of the Bay Area Search & Rescue Council, and serves as a SAR and training resource.

What makes CALSAR different from other Search & Rescue teams?

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.

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.

We couldn't do what we do without the help of our volunteers and donations! Donations help us fund maintenance of team vehicles, rescue and communications equipment, facilities, and various supplies. Donations also go towards replacing obsolete communications, rescue, and medical equipment.