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Search & Rescue
Overview
The sole intent of the men and women of the Cochise County Search and Rescue is to provide for the search, evacuation, recovery, and rescue of victims in distress in limited emergencies, and in no way supersedes or conflicts with the State of Arizona or Cochise County emergency plans designed for operations during large scale disasters.
The Cochise County Search and Rescue (CCSOSAR) Posse has been in existence for 40 consecutive years. During these past 40 years, CCSOSAR has accumulated a successful mission success rate. Our mission is to render immeasurable comfort to the families of visitors and citizens, due to the safe return of their family members. Many of these missions and recoveries pertain to either lost, injured, or deceased undocumented border crossers, having fallen victim to the elements.
The mission of CCSOSAR is also to meet the needs of the community and to fulfill its obligation under Arizona Revised Statute 11-441 Powers and Duties, section C. The sheriff shall conduct or coordinate within the county search or rescue operations involving the life or health of any person, or may assist in such operations in another county at the request of that county's sheriff, and may request assistance from any persons or agencies in the fulfillment of duties under this subsection. The CCSOSAR Posse is comprised of sworn deputies, a full-time, and a part-time Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator, with the most important component being the CCSOSAR volunteer.
Meetings
- 6:30 pm
- 1st Thursday of every month
- South East Arizona Communications Center (SEACOM)
1728 Paseo San Luis
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
The meetings are open to the public.
Newsletters
Our Teams
ATV Team
ATV teams are used when a large area needs to be covered in a search. Training is provided by the Cochise County Sheriff's Department and all members are encouraged to become certified.Communications
Ground Search Team
Consists of members who perform searches for missing individuals throughout Cochise County. All members of Search and Rescue (SAR) are involved in this team.Helicopter Team
A few volunteers and coordinators handle the risks of helicopter work, repelling from the helicopter and short hauling injured individuals out of the terrain Cochise County is known for. Certification is performed every three months.K-9 Team
K-9 search teams are utilized in the search/recovery of victims through the use of canines' ability to catch the scent of the victim and the handlers' ability to follow the path.Mounted Team
Swift Water / Dive Team
Take on the challenge when flash flood season arrives, and assist in the recovery of drowning victims from lakes located within Cochise County.Technical Rescue Team
Handle rescues that deal with hazardous terrain and are responsible for handling haul/lower systems to retrieve fallen and injured hikers/climbers.
When It Comes to Saving Lives – Only the Best Will Do – Cochise County Search & Rescue, That’s Who!
The CCSOSAR volunteers are comprised of a county-wide membership of about 50 people of varied backgrounds and experience levels. This is a highly cohesive and cost-effective team. The deputies, coordinators, and several of the volunteers have received training in High Angle Technical Rescue, Helicopter/Air Rescue, ATV Instructor, Canine, Emergency Medical Technicians, Diver, and Swift Water Rescue.
CCSOSAR has a very close working relationship with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) Air Rescue Division. AZ DPS Air Rescue Helicopters are available to assist SAR operations, such as helicopter rappel and short-haul. CCSOSAR is one of the few Arizona County SAR teams qualified to perform this highly technical and dangerous operation.
CCSOSAR handles unpredictable SAR missions through innovation and risk-taking. SAR missions cannot be directly planned for. The mission depends on visitor/tourism influx and weather conditions. Our members pay close attention to detail, its members, the individual to be rescued or searched for, yet handle each mission in an aggressive manner to provide stability in action and safety. CCSOSAR is an extremely team-oriented driven team.
If you feel you have what it takes and want to become a member of this dedicated team you can check us out by reading our newsletter (PDF) or you can also attend one of our meetings and meet some of our members.
The Arizona State Coordinator Association has developed several task books, spanning from AZ SAR Tech III and II to AZ SAR Tracker III, II, and I. For detailed information go to Arizona Search and Rescue.
Applications
Search and Rescue applications (PDF) will be available to anyone interested in joining. For more information contact Sergeant David Noland at 520-384-7057 or email David Noland.