Our Mission
Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue (CCVSAR) is a volunteer public safety organization, funded by its members, grants, and donations from the public. Our mission is to:
- Train for and respond to Search & Rescue emergencies; searching for the lost, and rescuing the injured in urban and wilderness locations
- Train for and respond to natural and man-made disasters to locate and rescue the injured, trapped, and missing.
- Conduct evacuation notifications during wildfires.
- Educate the public about backcountry safety and emergency preparedness.
Our History
Nestled in central Washington state, Chelan County is a paradise of rugged mountains, rushing rivers, and hundreds of miles of breathtaking backcountry trails. Every year, thousands of outdoor enthusiasts flock to the region to hike, climb, ski, raft, and explore. But with adventure comes risk: people get hurt, people get lost, and sometimes, people go missing.
That’s where we step in.
Established as part of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, CCVSAR became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2016. Today, we are a team of highly trained volunteers who dedicate thousands of hours each year to search and rescue missions, ensuring that adventurers in our region can count on help when it’s needed most.
Download a PDF of our CCVSAR 501(c)(3) Determination Letter here
Our Impact:
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our volunteers, this year has been one of incredible impact:
- 40 Life-Saving Missions: Our team responded to emergencies in challenging terrains, contributing 449 hours to rescue efforts.
- 42 Training Exercises: Volunteers invested 234 hours to ensure they are always ready to respond with precision and expertise.
- 26 Community Events: We dedicated 50 hours to outreach and public support.
- 665 Total Volunteer Hours: Across 104 activities, our volunteers worked tirelessly to make a difference.
- 4,602 Total Hours in 2024: The combined efforts of our 51 members highlight their extraordinary commitment to saving lives and serving our community.
Training & Safety
Our success depends on rigorous training. Members participate in monthly training sessions to sharpen their skills and ensure safety remains a top priority. CCVSAR is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, who set organizational goals and provide the support needed to serve our community effectively.
Our units
Learn more about the different units we deploy:
How You Can Help
We rely on your support to fund the training, equipment, and resources that make our life-saving work possible. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate: Every contribution helps us save lives.
- Volunteer: Join our team and make a difference in your community.
Your generosity powers our mission and ensures we can continue to respond when adventure takes a dangerous turn. Thank you for supporting CCVSAR!