The Shasta County Search and Rescue divisions are comprised of 13 sworn deputies and over 200 volunteers. Here are two stories from the Search & Rescue Ground Team:
Advancing Rescue Capabilities Across Shasta County
Thanks to the generous grant from The Community Foundation, Shasta County Search and Rescue Ground Team was able to purchase an Arizona Vortex — a critical piece of equipment used in high-angle and low-angle rope rescues. This versatile system functions as a tripod, bipod, and monopod, significantly enhancing the safety and effectiveness of rescue operations in challenging environments throughout Shasta County.
This year, during a joint training exercise in steep terrain, the Arizona Vortex proved its value. Team
members were able to safely lower and raise a simulated victim using the new system—something that
would have been far more difficult with older gear. This type of training prepares us for real-world missions
in the rugged landscapes that define much of Shasta County, from canyons and cliffs to riverbanks and remote trails.
The impact of this grant extends far beyond a single team or incident. It has improved the operational
readiness of our volunteers across the county, ensuring we can respond quickly and safely when lives are on the line. Whether it’s rescuing a hiker, helping during a disaster, or supporting neighboring counties when resources are stretched, this equipment is now a vital part of our toolkit.
Providing Closure in the Face of Tragedy
Not all of our missions end with a rescue, but each one represents our commitment to serving the people of Shasta County with compassion and determination. Recently, our Search and Rescue volunteers were dispatched to a remote and rugged area of the county to assist in the recovery of human remains. The case involved two women who had been missing since the previous year.
The operation required a thorough and methodical search over several acres of extremely steep terrain. Using our technical rope gear we were able to safely ascend and descend the hillsides, allowing our volunteers to search areas that would have otherwise been inaccessible.
Thanks to this equipment and the dedicated efforts of our team, we were able to recover enough remains and evidence to assist in the positive identification of the victims. While the outcome was heartbreaking, it brought long-awaited closure to the families, who had endured months of uncertainty and grief.
