Washington Explorer Search and Rescue, Kitsap Unit

Washington Explorer Search and Rescue (WESAR) – Kitsap Unit is the primary ground search and rescue unit in Kitsap County, WA. The unit assists local law enforcement in locating missing persons such as hikers, children, and individuals affected by dementia; locating law enforcement evidence related to a crime; and responding to natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

Kitsap WESAR is 100% volunteer driven and focuses in particular on youth leadership, with members eligible to join as young as 14. Searchers are typically called out to more than 30 missions each year and log an average of 300 hours on trainings and active searches. All field-qualified searchers train extensively in wilderness navigation, map and compass, first aid, search tactics, missing person behavior, and clothing and equipment.