Welcome!

Welcome to the website of Chaffee County Search and Rescue North.

Chaffee County Search and Rescue (SAR):
In Chaffee County there are two SAR’s, one based in Buena Vista and the other based in Salida & Poncha Springs, hence the names SAR-North and SAR-South.

SAR-N and SAR-S are part of the county Sheriff’s department and are activated when the Sheriff determines it is necessary to meet some emergency or situation. Members of SAR are volunteers, who are at a minimum certified in basic first aid and CPR and search and rescue methodology.

SAR-N and SAR-S are sustained by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the Sheriff’s department and by raising funds through service projects and donations.

Contact SAR-North by Mail

Chaffee County Search and Rescue – North
P.O. Box 1671
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Contact SAR-South by Mail

Chaffee County Search and Rescue – South
P.O. Box 313
Poncha Springs, CO 81242

Places to get information:
• U.S. Forest Service
• Colorado State Forest Service
• Colorado Division of Wildlife
• Visitor Centers
• Salida or Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
• Outdoor specialty shops.

In Case of Emergency, Call 911 or the Chaffee County Sheriff 719-539-2596:
• Report what happened and exactly where.
• Identify the point of last seen.
• Cell phones may not always work in the back country.

Colorado Search and Rescue (SAR) Card:
• These cards will allow the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to reimburse SAR for any expenses incurred on your behalf.
• Purchase a Colorado SAR card at the Department of Wildlife, Some sporting stores sell these cards. Also, fishing, hunting, snowmobile, and ATV licenses provide this coverage.