Virginia Search and Rescue Council
The Virginia Search and Rescue Council is a non-profit organization consisting of member groups who have Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) to provide search and rescue services to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Join a team
Our search and rescue teams are located all over Virginia. Please see our list of teams to find the one nearest you.
How can I call out a team for help on a search?
All SAR teams can be called out through local law enforcement or emergency management agency. If additional resources are needed the local official in charge of the search can contact the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) located at the State Emergency Operations Center (VEOC). The VEOC will then page out the requested resources and help jurisdictions decide what they need. Only government agencies (law enforcement/fire/EMS/etc) can request resources from the VEOC by calling 24/7 at (800) 468-8892.