Search and Rescue (SAR) teams operate under the direction of the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. All search and rescue members are highly trained volunteers. The approximate 2,618 square miles of valleys and rugged mountainous terrain is unique in Missoula County and, because of this, the Sheriff’s Office utilizes two separate search and rescue units. 

One unit, Missoula County Search and Rescue, is based in Missoula while the other unit, Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue, operates out of Seeley Lake. While these units train and operate independent of one another, joint training and missions do commonly occur.   

In the event of an emergency, SAR units are called into action by the Sheriff’s Office and will include a sworn member of the Sheriff's Office. Areas of specialty include the use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, jet boats, non-motorized boats, and navigation and hiking to access all areas within the county. The units also have members with high levels of training in avalanche rescue, swift water operations, high-angle rope rescue and many members maintain medical licenses.  

For more information on Missoula County Search and Rescue please visit their website.

Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue

Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue (SSSAR) has primary responsibilities for the Potomac, Seeley Lake, and Condon areas of Missoula County, but is also ready to provide support to the other search and rescue units, as needed.  The unit operates out of its building located on County property next to the Seeley Lake airport.

SSSAR is comprised of highly trained volunteers who meet monthly.  In addition to their monthly meetings, members attend specialized training sessions throughout the year.  The unit responds when called out by the Sherriff’s Office to conduct needed search and rescue activities.  These responses include searches for lost or missing persons, rescue of injured individuals in wildlands, or assistance during events such as wildfires.  Additional activities include providing assistance at events such as community races including the triathlon, Snowjoke, cross-country ski events, etc.    

SSSAR is trained and equipped to respond to the various types of search and rescue activities that occur in its operating area.  Training activities include learning operational procedures as well as proper use of the various types of equipment used in search and rescue.  Members of the unit include individuals with expertise in swift water rescue, ice rescue, avalanche searches, lost person searches, and related skills.  The unit works closely with other first response units including the local QRU’s (quick response units) and fire departments. 

Anyone interested in becoming a member of SSSAR is encouraged to do so.  SSSAR can use all types of assistance from active involvement on backcountry searches and rescues, to support activities such as providing logistical and communications support to operations.  Interested individuals are invited to attend the unit’s monthly meeting held at 6:30 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at the unit’s building next to the Seeley Lake airport.  For additional information, contact Chief Ken Brochu at (406) 210-0522, or the Sheriff’s Office.