Search & Rescue

Search and Rescue coordinators are trained in: incident command, search management principles, lost person behavior, high-angle rescue, snowmobile operations, all-terrain vehicle operations, swiftwater rescue, avalanche rescue and wilderness navigation.


Working in concert with over 200 well-trained civilian volunteers who provide a wide array of support. In many aspects, the department would not have a Search and Rescue program without the contribution of time and dedication from these volunteers. Search and Rescue works in partnership with the Tacoma Police Department to conduct searches and rescues for individuals that are lost in remote and urban areas in the County.


Some of our SAR coordinators also serve with the Washington State Urban Search and Rescue Team (FEMA-WATF-1).