Pennington County Search and Rescue (PCSAR) was formed in October 1973 to provide emergency services in and around Pennington County. PCSAR operates independently under Rapid City/Pennington County Emergency Management. All searches are under the jurisdiction of the Pennington County Sheriffs Office. PCSAR works with emergency services organizations including law enforcement, paid and volunteer fire departments, ambulance services, and other volunteer organizations.

PCSAR performs several types of operations:

• Search
• Vehicle Extrication
• Vertical Rescue
• Assist Fire Departments with air supply (Cascade System)
• Assist Rapid City/Pennington County Dive Rescue Team with air supply
• Trench Rescue and Building Shoring
• Mass Casualty
• Communications
• Weather Watch
• Evacuations
• Emergency Winter Weather Transportation

PCSAR receives call notifications through Fire Dispatch via pager.

PCSAR is an all-volunteer organization that does not receive any compensation for the duties or training that members perform. The only payment that might be received is an occasional thank you and the self satisfaction of helping your community.