ESAR
Primary ground search teams trained in wilderness, urban, and evidence search.
K9
Specialized canine teams certified in air scent, trailing, and human remains detection.
Mobile/ORV
Rapid hasty search and transport across terrain conventional vehicles can't reach as well as urban areas.
Drone
FAA-certified pilots providing aerial reconnaissance and search support.
Ops Support
Incident management, planning, and base logistics that keep every search running.
ASAR / Technical
(Under Development) — Advanced rescue capability for technical terrain.
Who We Are.
Mason County Search and Rescue
Trained volunteers, on call when our neighbors need help.
Mason County Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer organization activated by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. We find lost, missing, and injured people across Mason County and provide mutual aid to neighboring counties and partner agencies. We’re called when a hiker doesn’t return at dusk, when a child wanders from home, when someone with dementia walks away, when a search becomes a recovery. Our members train year-round on their own time, supply their own gear, and respond when the call comes — at any hour, in any weather. We do not charge for our services. We are funded entirely by community donations and grants.
How To Help.
Ways you can help
Help Fund Your Responders
Every dollar buys gear, training, and the readiness to respond. As a 501(c)(3), your donation is tax-deductible.
Come to a Meet the Team Hike
The easiest first step. Meet members, see how we work, and find out if SAR is right for you. No commitment. No pressure.
Apply to Join MCSAR
Ready to make the commitment? New volunteers begin with our Basic Training Academy. Next academy starts September 2026.
Where We Serve
Mason County
Through mutual aid, we respond throughout the region when called.
Our Work In Numbers
AVERAGE MISSIONS PER YEAR
ANNUAL MISSION & TRAINING HOURS
ACTIVE MEMBERS
Join Mason County SAR
Annual Training Academy
Every year, MCSAR welcomes new volunteers through our Training Academy — hands-on instruction in search techniques, wilderness skills, and the teamwork it takes to respond when someone’s life is on the line. No prior experience required, just a willingness to show up and learn.
Academy typically begins September. Spots are limited, and training is led by experienced MCSAR members who’ve been in the field. If you’ve ever wondered whether you have what it takes, this is where you find out.
Mason County Search and Rescue Presents
Laugh to Save Lives
Dinner & Comedy Show!
Join us for a night of dinner and comedy benefiting Mason County Search and Rescue. On Saturday, September 12, 2026 at The Pavilion in Shelton, we’re bringing in comedians Bruce Detore, George Opiger, and host Matt Lowes for an evening of laughs — doors open at 6pm, with the show starting at 7:15.
Every ticket helps fund the gear, training, and operations that keep our all-volunteer team ready to respond, day or night. Dinner, raffle tickets, and reserved seating options are available — tables of 8 included for groups.
We're grateful to the businesses and organizations that make our work possible.
Our Supporters
