Southern Arizona Rescue Association

In this episode of  Nonprofit Spotlight, Stephanie Engs talks with Nic Jones, the President of the Southern Arizona Rescue Association. Also known as SARA is a non-profit, all-volunteer search and rescue organization serving southern Arizona and Pima County since 1958 without charge for its services. SARA members are volunteers from all walks of life, donating their time, skills and enthusiasm to provide a vital service to the public. Nic and Stephanie discuss the nonprofit partnership between Epic Rides 24 hours in the Old Pueblo annual mountain bike event and the importance of SARCI. A non-profit corporation that coordinates five all-volunteer local search and rescue groups serving Tucson, Pima County and Southern Arizona which provide their services without charge.

SARA members receive extensive training in all aspects of search and rescue work, including wilderness searching, cave rescues, high-angle and technical rescues, swift water rescues, mine rescues, and outdoor safety education. Members are also required to regularly re-certify both their medical qualifications and technical skills. SARA typically responds to more than 100 search and rescue missions each year, representing more than 4,400 hours of volunteer time.