Search & Rescue

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team is composed of approximately 40 dedicated mountain rescue volunteers. In partnership with the Sheriff's Office Canyon & Unincorporated Patrol, the team is trained and equipped to respond to any type of backcountry emergency, day or night, 365 days a year. The team proudly celebrated its 65th year of operation in 2022.

Annually, the team contributes thousands of volunteer hours responding to emergencies, training, and conducting public awareness presentations. Search & Rescue members are proficient in technical rock and ice climbing, high-angle snow mountaineering, emergency medical services, avalanche recovery, swift water rescue, and open water rescue and recovery. Common rescue operations in Salt Lake County include aiding lost or injured hikers, rescuing fallen or stranded climbers, assisting injured skiers, recovering avalanche victims, and conducting water searches, rescues, and recoveries.

The Salt Lake County Search & Rescue Team relies on the dedication of its volunteers. Individuals capable of donating 200 to 400 hours annually and skilled in technical rock, snow, and/or ice climbing, mountaineering, swift water rescue, emergency medicine, or backcountry skiing are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates can complete and submit the online application available on our website or email with any questions.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the team relies on charitable donations to supplement county and state funding, supporting the essential day-to-day operations, training, and equipment expenses.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit the Salt Lake Search and Rescue website.