Search & Rescue

The Tehama County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit consists of 47 active citizen volunteers. The unit elects its leaders yearly, which consists of a Captain, Treasurer, Training Officer, Secretary and Equipment Officer. The unit receives direction and assignments from the Sheriff through his designee, a Patrol Sergeant.

When the Sheriff's Department receives a report of an incident where the unit is needed, a designated member of the team will make a "call out" and send members to the scene, who then conduct a search, rescue and/or recovery via the Incident Command System (ICS).

The unit has three specialty teams. The Dive and Swift Water Rescue Team. These members are certified divers. A segment of this team has had specialized training in swift water rescue.

The K-9 Team consists of members who own their own search dogs and are responsible for each dog's training.

A third team, which was just formed in 1999, is the Search and Rescue Mounted Unit.

In addition, individual members receive training, and can specialize in areas such as first aid, man tracking, technical rope rescue, search management, winter search, and 4-wheel drive operation. Members provide their own transportation and most of their required gear.

Members will train and meet at least once a month at the Stillwell Training Center in Red Bluff. The Center was built and funded through donations from the public. Much of the work to build the Center was provided by community volunteers.

The Search and Rescue Unit has assisted other Search and Rescue Units throughout Northern California in the form of mutual aid. This assistance can be requested through the State's Office of Emergency Services (OES).

Tehama County Sheriff's Search and Rescue members are dedicated to their mission. They are concerned community members who take pride in their unit and have a desire to help Tehama County.

Serving our Community with "P.R.I.D.E.” 
Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Equality.”