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Volunteer - Search and Rescue Units

The Emergency Services Bureau is comprised of several volunteer units with specialized skills. The units are deployed to several types of search and rescue situations, such as looking for lost or missing people or evidence in major criminal cases. The units also participate in community events and fairs, in both unincorporated and incorporated areas of San Mateo County. Many of the unit members are certified in emergency medical response and assist the Sheriff's Office with providing care for the citizens of San Mateo County.

For more information, send an email to:
Dan Bennett at dgbennett@co.sanmateo.ca.us

Sheriff's Volunteer Forces Calendar
Search and Rescue
  • AIR SQUADRON
    Members are civilians who volunteer their time to provide air support on search and rescue operations and pilot and maintain our County owned plane. Members must be licensed pilots, preferably with their own plane or access to the use of a plane.
  • BAY AREA MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT (BAMRU)  BAMRU
     Bay Area Mountain Rescue Units comprised of members that train forand practice a wide variety of skills used in wilderness search and rescue operations and technical rescues. Members must be strong backpackers and have some mountain climbing training and equipment. The Unit provides search and rescue training.
  • COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
    Members are volunteers with FCC - amateur radio licenses. These individuals assist with communication needs during search and rescue operations and disaster relief efforts.
  • DIVE / CLIFF / MARINE UNIT
    Members are certified rescue divers who assist in patrolling the water ways of San Mateo County and respond to water or technical cliff rescues. Members must own all their dive equipment. Cliff Rescue training is provided to all new members. Team members also operate three boats: a 27 foot boat, an 18 foot rapid deployment rescue boat and a 12 foot inflatable boat for use on the bay and inland waters.
  • EMERGENCY SERVICES DETAIL
     Rescue personnel trained in medical and inland search and rescue techniques. Members provide support for tactical situations and planned major events. All needed training is provided during Unit meetings and field training sessions.
  • EXPLORER POST 810 (Law Enforcement)
    A group of young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who volunteer their time to train and work with Sheriff's deputies. Their activities include law enforcement training, patrol car ride-a-longs, jail duties and traffic control details.
  • EXPLORER POST 830 (Search and Rescue)
    A group of young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who are trained in basic wilderness search and rescue as well as evidence searching for major criminal cases. Other activities include disaster preparedness, first aid and basic camping.
  • MOUNTED SEARCH AND RESCUE
     The Mounted SAR Unit is comprised of horse and rider teams certified in 25 skill areas. Members must have their own horse and trailer.

  • RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF
     Reserve deputies are individuals who volunteer their time to augment the Sheriff's deputies with patrol and jail assignments. Members also respond to support a variety of emergency situations. Interested individuals must have the appropriate certifications prior to applying.

  • TECHNICAL UNIT
    Individuals donate their time and skills to assist with the many administrative duties required throughout the County.

 
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