On April 17, 13 people graduated from a 48-hour academy to become official members of the Douglas County sheriff’s search and rescue team.

The focus of the academy was to become certified as a Nevada Wilderness Search and Rescue Technician (NWSRT), which is a nationally recognized credential. It provided knowledge concerning the general responsibilities, skills, abilities and the equipment needed by people who are assigned to field operations during a search and rescue mission. The course content includes topics in three major areas: survival/support, search, and rescue.

The NWSRT course provided classroom and field sessions. Students were required to take a 145 question written test and a field skill evaluation to complete the course.

In December, DCSAR volunteers were involved in four rescue missions, which included hikers in distress, a missing person, a stranded off roader, and the use of the drone for an emergency situation.  SAR members were utilized for 210 hours during that month. 

There is no charge for the search and rescue mission to the involved community member or visitor to the county. 

DCSAR members were utilized for 18 hours during the Stateline underground explosion on April 1 for public safety.