Flathead County Search & Rescue Association Revenue

About Flathead County Search & Rescue Association

Flathead County Search and Rescue (FCSAR) started in 1947 with a general call for volunteers to assist with a search for a lost boy. The organization was started by then Sheriff Dick Walsh. After the boy was found, Dick Walsh asked those who helped to leave their phone number in case they were needed again and they were. Initially FCSAR started out in a private home with a telephone and a base radio. Through the years the operating costs have been covered by a small mill levy, donations, memorials, and fundraisers. The organization has grown into a highly trained team covering everything from water rescues, technical rock rescue, county disaster response, evacuation and emergency medical assistance. All members of Flathead Search and Rescue are at least CPR/First Aid certified, but many have higher levels of training such as EMR, EMT, and even Paramedic. In addition to providing initial medical care on search & rescue missions, FCSAR provides medical assistance for various community functions. FCSAR is responsible for its own section of the county, but Flathead and North Valley Rescue rely on each other, train, and respond together whenever the need arises. A good number of responders are members of both agencies. Flathead County Search and Rescue's coverage area is comprised of 1,728 square miles, 225 miles of creeks and rivers, as well as 70 lakes. Today, FCSAR is dispatched through the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. FCSAR responders are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days per year to provide assistance to missing or injured persons within Flathead County and the surrounding region. Whether the search area is the wilderness, the rural countryside, or a residential neighborhood, search & rescue personnel are prepared to respond with specialized training in such areas as canine handling, swiftwater rescue, ropes and rigging (mountain rescue), ice rescue, man tracking and certified medical response.

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