Volunteer Opportunities
There are a number of organizations in San Mateo County that train volunteers to be prepared and respond to a variety of emergency situations. To find out more about any of these opportunities, please call: 650-363-4012 or go to www.smcsheriff.com.
Air Squadron
Members are civilians who volunteer their time to provide air support on search and rescue operations, and who pilot and maintain our county-owned airplane. Members must be licensed pilots, with their own plane or with access to the use of one.
Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU)
Members train for and practice a wide variety of skills used in wilderness search and rescue operations and technical rescues. Members must be strong backpackers and have some mountain-climbing training and equipment. The unit provides search and rescue training.
Communication Unit
Members are volunteers with FCC-amateur radio licenses. These individuals assist with communication needs during search and rescue operations and disaster relief efforts.
Dive / Cliff / Marine Unit
Members are certified rescue divers who assist in patrolling the waterways of San Mateo County and respond to water or technical cliff rescues. Members must own all their dive equipment. Cliff rescue training is provided to all new members. Team members also operate boats.
Emergency Services Detail (ESD)
Members are rescue personnel trained in medical and inland search and rescue techniques who provide support for tactical situations and planned major events. All needed training is provided during unit meetings and field training sessions.
Explorer Post 810 (Law Enforcement)
Members are a group of young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who volunteer their time to train and work with Sheriff's Office deputies. Their activities include law enforcement training, patrol car ride-alongs, jail duties, and traffic control details.
Explorer Post 830 (Search and Rescue) (SAR)
Members are a group of young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who are trained in basic wilderness search and rescue as well as evidence searching in major criminal cases. Other activities include disaster preparedness, first aid training, and basic camping.
Mounted Search and Rescue
Members are horse and rider teams certified in 25 skill areas. Members must have their own horse and trailer.
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Members are individuals who volunteer their time to augment the Sheriff's Office deputies with patrol and jail assignments. Members also respond to support a variety of emergency situations. Interested individuals must have the appropriate certifications prior to applying.
Technical Unit
Members are individuals who donate their time and skills to assist with the many administrative duties required throughout the county.