The El Dorado Search and Rescue (EDSAR) Tahoe Team is a dedicated group of 40 professionally trained volunteer responders operating under the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and supported by the nonprofit El Dorado Search and Rescue Council (ESARC). Serving over 450,000 acres of alpine and backcountry terrain in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Tahoe Team is one of the busiest backcountry rescue units in the nation. Available 24/7, they respond to emergencies involving hikers, skiers, off-roaders, and campers, as well as natural disasters like storms, floods, and wildfires. EDSAR’s mission is simple: to save lives and reduce human suffering—“So Others May Live.”$10,000 Award Use: The Tahoe Team will use their grant to fund ongoing avalanche education, allowing them to train 18 members annually in Avalanche Level 1 and Companion Rescue courses. This ensures the team remains ready for winter rescues and avalanche terrain navigation.

$10,000 Award Use:  Funds will be used to purchase updated PPE and climbing gear and improve communication during vertical rescues. The team will invest in reliable, streamlined communication tools, inspired by their recent success using personal Rocky Talkies in the field.

Golden and District Search and Rescue (GADSAR) is a volunteer-based organization supporting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other authorities in locating and evacuating lost or injured individuals. With 45 active members, the team is committed to maintaining a high level of training and equipment to ensure safe and effective operations. Their primary response area spans approximately 1,200 square kilometers—from Yoho National Park in the east to Glacier National Park in the west, north to Kinbasket Lake, and south to Spillimacheen—but they also provide mutual aid beyond this region when requested.

$10,000 Award Use:  GADSAR will launch a drone program to improve search and rescue efforts in avalanche and swiftwater incidents. The funds will cover the purchase of a DJI Mavic 3 drone and provide training for safe, efficient drone operation.

The Linville-Central Rescue Squad is a volunteer-based, state-certified emergency response organization serving Avery County, North Carolina, and providing mutual aid throughout the southeastern U.S. With 98 active members—58 of whom serve on the Mountain Rescue/SAR team—the squad delivers professional, compassionate aid in medical and traumatic emergencies at no cost to those in need. In addition to emergency response, the squad is committed to public safety through education, prevention, and collaboration with local and regional emergency services.

$25,000 Award Use:  To support their newly accredited Mountain Search and Rescue (MSAR) Team, the squad will use the award funds to purchase essential PPE and technical gear, replacing expired equipment and ensuring all volunteers are properly outfitted for local and regional missions.

Pennington County Search and Rescue is a non-profit, all-volunteer search and rescue team made up of 24 active members dedicated to saving lives across more than 3,000 square miles of western South Dakota. Their coverage area includes Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, and thousands of rock climbing routes. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, the team provides emergency assistance at no cost to residents, visitors, and surrounding communities. They also offer extensive mutual aid support to neighboring counties and the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

$25,000 Award Use:  Funds will be used to purchase updated PPE and climbing gear and improve communication during vertical rescues. The team will invest in reliable, streamlined communication tools, inspired by their recent success using personal Rocky Talkies in the field.