From Left: Sgt Brian Messing Deputy Ben Cook & Deputy Louie Purroll

The Search and Rescue division is made up of three certified personnel supported by two primary volunteer organizations consisting of approximately 80 people. The certified personnel consist of one sergeant and two deputies. Their primary function when not on Search or Rescue operations is to do one of the following:

* Grant Patrol-Search and Rescue is responsible for patrolling the remote areas of the BLM and Tonto National Forest in order to fulfill the requirements of the grants. During these patrols they are looking for criminal activity that occurs in the remote areas and preventing subjects from becoming lost or injured by their lack of knowledge of the terrain or climate. The patrols are preformed with the aid of four-wheel drive vehicles, ATV's, mounted units, hiking, and helicopter, depending on the access limitations.

* Training-Because of the liability involved in missions the coordinators for Pinal County are very aware of the need for training. Within the training, all certified personnel are expected to be certified in helicopter rappel and long line certified. All deputies are certified post instructors and are expected in their down time to assist with training Pinal County's Certified Division. This training consists of firearms instructors, driving instructors and many others.

When on Search and Rescue mission, the deputies are responsible for coordinating the mission until completed. They must locate the point last seen and determine the proper and safest Search and Rescue method. Once the determination is made on how to conduct the mission, proper resources need to be ordered. While the mission is in place the deputy is responsible for the documentation of the operation until completed.