Pierce County Search & Rescue

4×4 Unit

Search & Rescue

For the life of the lost

If You Have An Emergency

Call 911 for Assistance

Pierce County Search & Rescue

No matter the terrain, we are here to help. The Search and Rescue 4×4 volunteers provide personal 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Our Mission

We are an all-volunteer mobile search and rescue unit based in Pierce County, Washington. From sea level on the Puget Sound to Mt. Rainer we cover a diversity of urban, rural and true wilderness in an area 1800 square miles. We volunteer under the direction of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, but are available to respond by request from any other counties in the state to support law enforcement agencies. The 4×4’s were formed in 1984 by members of ground SAR that recognized the need for a transportation and mobile SAR resource. Since formation the unit has evolved skills and techniques, expanded duties, and branched out our mobility. Using skills originally developed for ground SAR teams our techniques have been honed for the mobile SAR world. Beyond SAR we actively support Pierce County Emergency Management with logistical support when needs arise. In recent years we have expanded beyond street legal all-wheel drive vehicles to include ATV/UTV, dual sport motorcycles, snowmobiles, and a SnoCat. Along with being all volunteer we are a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Our funding comes from donations, grants, and members.

Unit Resources

All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Our primary resource is member’s use of their all-wheel drive vehicles for search & rescue missions. The mobility provided in a variety of conditions and road surfaces enhances the ability of the unit to assist law enforcement and other organizations. Training is the foundation of being prepared when called upon. This starts with classroom and field training in SAR techniques, mapping, safe use of vehicle, communications and much more. Also available is the Winter Driving Course which provides for gaining advanced skills for driving in extreme weather conditions. Advanced First Aid and other courses are available on regular bases to the volunteer.

ATV/Dual Sport

Very often when called to a search the use of all-terrain vehicles and dual sport motorcycles makes it possible to gain access to more difficult terrain or locations. As such the unit provides training so that the member has the option to assist with these auxiliary vehicles. Members are able to use their personal or 4×4 Unit vehicles upon completion of the course.

Tracked Vehicles

With much of Pierce County in the higher elevations of the Cascade Mountains where access is limited to snowmobiles, tracked quads or Snow Cats for the winter portion of the year the unit is often called out on missions where these are put to use. Here too the option to use personal or 4×4 Unit vehicles provides for the unit to be prepared for all seasons. After the initial training the members recertify within two years to stay up on their skills.

Join Us

Email us at info@pcsar4x4.org

Interested in putting your experience to use volunteering with the Search & Rescue 4×4 unit? Would like to find out more? Please join us on the second Wednesday of odd numbered months at 7:00 pm for our in person general meetings. You will have the opportunity to meet the members and hear of the activities taking place. This is also a good time to ask questions and learn of the opportunities ahead. To join our Zoom meeting on even numbered months please email: info@pcsar4x4.org for access link.

4×4 Unit in person General Meeting takes place at:

Pierce County Dept. of Emergency Management
2501 S. 35th St. Suite D
Tacoma, WA 98409

Help With A Donation

Your financial assistance is another way to enhance the Search & Rescue 4×4 Units ability to be prepared when called upon.

Pierce County Search & Rescue 4×4 Unit is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization run by dedicated, highly trained volunteers. We do not charge for our services, nor do we receive tax dollars. All of our operational expenses are paid for by donations.