Sierra Madre Search and Rescue

The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team (SMSR) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization founded in 1951 to save lives through mountain rescue and outdoor safety education. The team motto of “anywhere in the wilderness that someone needs help…” has guided us through over 10,000 requests for help since our founding.

Our primary area of operation is southern California, but the team has responded to calls for help in areas extending from Baja, California, through the Sierra Nevada, and up to northern California, and as far east as Nevada, Colorado, and New York.

The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team is affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with members serving as civilian volunteer specialists. The team is fully accredited in Technical Rock Rescue, Snow and Ice Rescue, and Wilderness Search Management. We are members of the California Region of the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) and are a California Office of Emergency Services (OES) Type 1 wilderness SAR resource. 

Our services are provided at no cost and are available at any time of the day or night by contacting our 24-hour dispatcher at the Sierra Madre Police Department at (626)355-1414 or by calling 911.

The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team is a volunteer organization that exists to help people who may be lost or injured or otherwise in trouble in the wilderness.

We, the team members, believe that we can do this work as it should be done, and meet this responsibility as it should be met, only if:

– We bring to each search and rescue mission the highest level of mountaineering and rescue skill training and self discipline that we can produce.
– We go on every search and rescue mission with a positive attitude, committed to the belief that the person who needs our help is alive and can be found.
– We go on every search and rescue mission determined not to pass judgement, but rather to help someone who is in pain or trouble.
– We go on every search and rescue mission not because we are told to but because we want to.
– We maintain our autonomy and traditions.

Sierra Madre Search and Rescue (SMSR) is looking for dedicated, team-oriented individuals who are eager to learn and ready to serve their community in the wilderness. 

We welcome people from all walks of life, whether you’re an experienced hiker, mountain biker, trail runner, rock climber, or simply someone with a strong work ethic, physical fitness, and a willingness to train. 

Minimum Requirements:
– Must pass background check with Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
– Live close enough to respond to Sierra Madre within 20 minutes
– Physically fit and comfortable in rugged outdoor environments
– Able to commit to regular weeknight training, team-scheduled trainings and events, and rescue operations
– Team player with a positive attitude, humility, and a strong desire to learn
– Willing to commit to an 18-24 month probationary training period
– Commit to volunteering with the team for a minimum of five years
– Age 18-55 years of age

Prerequisites:
– Basic Aviation Safety A-100 Online Course
– Incident Command System ICS 100, 200, 700 Online Courses 
– Wildland Fire S-190 & S-130 Online Courses

Course Reading:
– Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 10th Edition 

What You’ll Learn:
– Technical rope rescue
– Land navigation and map reading
– Wilderness survival skills
– Radio communications
– Avalanche and snow rescue (seasonal)

After completing probationary training, team members receive sponsorship for EMT certification. If EMT is completed before probationary training begins, the team will reimburse the costs associated with taking the course upon passing the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) Exam. 

Applications will open in September 2026 and our next probationary class will begin in January 2027.

This is a significant commitment, but also one of the most rewarding ways to give back to your community. If you’re coachable, dependable, and passionate about the outdoors, we’d love to hear from you.

If you have any questions, please reach out to recruiting@smsr.org.

Sierra Madre Search and Rescue (SMSR) is a volunteer-based organization committed to serving our community in the wilderness. We welcome inquiries and are happy to connect based on your needs.

General Contact Information

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 24
Sierra Madre, CA 91025

Team Office for administrative or non-urgent inquiries
(626) 355-3411

Emergency Dispatch for emergencies or active search and rescue situations
Sierra Madre Police Department: (626) 355-1414 or dial 911

For Business or Media Inquiries:
– Interested in joining the team? Email us at recruiting@smsr.org
– Planning an event or public outreach opportunity? Reach out to pr@smsr.org
– For press or media coverage requests, contact socialmedia@smsr.org
– For donations, contact fundraising@smsr.org

We do our best to respond promptly, but please keep in mind that we’re an all-volunteer team and response times may vary.

Thank you for supporting Sierra Madre Search and Rescue.