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.

  1. Meeting Info & Newsletters
  2. Teams

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

Archive

When It Comes to Saving Lives – Only the Best Will Do – Cochise County Search & Rescue, That’s Who!

Cochise County Search and Rescue Team

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

Interested in joining? For more information email Sergeant Martin Allred.

Search and Rescue applications (PDF)