Who we are...

Cowlitz County Search & Rescue is a Non-Profit 501©(3) organization, which is made up entirely of specialized volunteers. We are funded entirely by donations, contributions, and fundraising. We have over sixty-five highly trained and qualified active members who search for and rescue the lost or missing in all weather, wilderness and urban terrain, 365 days a year at any time day or night. Our volunteers serve with no pay or monetary reimbursement.

CCSAR has been rooted in Cowlitz County as far back as the 1930s based on historical records.  Although many original members have long since retired or are now “searching  the heavens,” the core values of the unit remain "This we do so that others may live".   It takes a lot of training, dedication, and determination to be a SAR member.  Cowlitz SAR works in conjunction with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Military Department - Emergency Management Division.  Not only does your local team serve the citizens of Cowlitz County 24/7/365, we also respond to requests all over the state should another agency need our services or expertise.  Our team is very versatile and adaptive to various situations, terrain, weather, and resources. 

Our team is funded solely by donations from the public and occasionally grants that we qualify for.  Most personal gear is purchased by each volunteer that can exceed upwards of $1000 per person.  With changes in technology, aging equipment, monthly service costs for radio, satellite, and cellular communication systems we rely on the donations we receive and the fundraisers we put on to be well equipped and ready for the next mission. 

Thank you for your generous support and we hope you enjoy the events we put on to raise funds to support our missions.

Feel free to visit our website at www.cowlitzsar.org