The Verde Search and Rescue Posse (VSAR) held its first meeting of the year to review statistics for 2024. Established in 1986, VSAR assists Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with search and rescue efforts and evidence searches. In 2024, they responded to 83 calls, rescuing 70 people, recovering 5 remains, and conducting 8 evidence searches.
VSAR has teams using 4×4 vehicles, mountain bikes, horses, and drones. They have 40 volunteers, with 36 deployable for hiking, which makes up 90% of their work. The posse received nearly $20,000 in grants and $1,180 in donations since their last meeting in November, with a funding request of $57,694 in the Arizona Community Foundation Northern Arizona Giving Guide.
Meetings are held monthly at Sedona Red Rock High School, and new members are required to attend two meetings before applying. VSAR is an auxiliary of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and relies on public donations to cover equipment and training costs. For more information, visit verdesar.org or contact [email protected].
