Desert Sherriff's Search and Rescue (DSSAR) is an organization of local unpaid volunteers who come from all walks of life. All are dedicated to providing a specialized service to citizens of Riverside County. DSSAR will conduct search and rescue missions and respond to other disaster or emergency situations as required. DSSAR is based at the Palm Desert Sheriff's station.

Your interest in our organization is appreciated. We are always looking for good recruits for our search and rescue team. Candidates should be at least 18 years old, reasonably fit, and community service oriented with the time to attend a monthly meeting, monthly hike (scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday), training events, plus special events and call-outs. In return, through team training, you may develop skills in wilderness first aid, using a GPS, map and compass skills, assisting in helicopter rescue, and much more. All DSSAR-sponsored training is free to the team member.

To become a member we ask that you first attend one of our business meetings, followed by two trainings. If, after that, you wish to join you will then need to complete a 10 mile qualifying hike. Since all team members must qualify annually, qualifying hikes are scheduled several times through the year. You must complete the hike within five hours. You can then submit your application to join DSSAR.

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.