Search & Rescue
Overview & Jurisdiction
Per Colorado state statute, it is the Sheriff's responsibility to provide search and rescue capability within their counties jurisdiction. The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office has authorized the Alpine Rescue Team to fulfill this statutory responsibility. The jurisdiction of the Alpine Rescue Team spans county-wide, excluding municipalities.
Staffing & Equipment
At any given time, the Alpine Rescue Team is staffed by between 40 to 60 professional non-paid mountain rescuers who have applied for membership and have passed a rigorous training regimen. The Alpine Rescue Team maintains an arsenal of mountain rescue and first aid equipment. They also maintain a fleet of vehicles at their primary building (known as "The Shack") which is located in Evergreen, CO ranging from specially equipped trucks to snowmobiles, to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Dispatch
The Alpine Rescue Team is tightly connected to the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office through the emergency dispatch and communications system. Whenever Clear Creek Sheriff's Office (CCSO) dispatch receives a call requesting backcountry rescue, the Sheriff's office notifies the Alpine Rescue Team's mission leaders. They, in turn, alert appropriate members via personal communications radios.
Funding & Oversight
The Alpine Rescue Team is one of twelve nationally accredited mountain rescue teams operating in the state of Colorado. Alpine Rescue Team a tax-exempt charity under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Alpine Rescue Team's operations budget is drawn primarily through state and local grants and private donations from the public.
Mission Statement
It is our duty as members of the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office to save lives and assist those in needs. We will be prepared any time of the day or night to perform these duties, with the assistance from the Alpine Rescue Team, in a professional manner; safely, quickly and efficiently. We place this duty before our own personal desires and comforts and do so without thought for personal compensation or reward.
Search and Rescue Fund
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams. By purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card you are contributing to the Search and Rescue Fund, which will reimburse these teams for costs incurred in search and rescues across the State of Colorado, and provide funding for the purchase of search and rescue related equipment. The CORSAR card is available for $3 for a one-year card and $12 for five- year card. Please call (303) 679-2376 to purchase your CORSAR card today.