The Ada County Search and Rescue team completed a record 48 missions in 2025, responding to lost hikers, injured outdoor recreationists, stranded motorists, and water rescues across the county’s diverse terrain. The volunteer-staffed team, which operates under the authority of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, logged over 3,200 hours of emergency response time — an increase of 28% from the previous year that reflects both growing recreational use of Ada County’s public lands and the county’s expanding population.
The missions ranged from relatively straightforward rescues of day hikers who lost their way on trails near Boise Foothills to complex multi-day search operations in remote backcountry areas. The team also responded to 12 water-related emergencies on Boise River and area lakes, including three incidents involving kayakers and rafters caught in swift water conditions.
Who Are the Search and Rescue Volunteers
The Ada County Search and Rescue team consists of approximately 35 active volunteers who maintain specialized certifications in wilderness search, technical rope rescue, swift water rescue, and winter operations. Members include teachers, nurses, construction workers, retirees, and other community members who donate their time and skills to help people in distress.
“These are people who leave their families on holidays and weekends, hike into remote areas in terrible weather, and put themselves at risk to bring strangers home safely,” the sheriff said. “The community owes them an enormous debt of gratitude.”
Each volunteer invests approximately 200 hours annually in training, equipment maintenance, and administrative duties on top of actual mission time. The team holds monthly training exercises covering navigation, medical response, helicopter operations, and incident command procedures.
Growing Demand and Funding Challenges
The record mission count reflects a national trend of increasing search and rescue demand driven by population growth, the popularity of outdoor recreation, and the proliferation of social media posts that draw inexperienced visitors to challenging terrain. Many SAR missions involve recreationists who underestimate the difficulty of backcountry terrain, fail to carry adequate supplies, or attempt activities beyond their skill level.
The team’s annual budget of approximately $45,000 — funded through the sheriff’s office budget and private donations — covers fuel, equipment replacement, and insurance. Major equipment purchases, such as the team’s UTV, inflatable rescue boat, and technical rope systems, are typically funded through grants and community fundraising events.
What Comes Next
The SAR team is actively recruiting new volunteers. Training begins in April. Interested residents must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, and willing to commit to the training schedule. Contact the Ada County Sheriff’s Office for application information. Hikers and recreationists can reduce the need for rescue by carrying the “ten essentials,” telling someone their plans, and checking weather and trail conditions before heading out.