Tonto Rim Search + Rescue: 60 Years of Service
History of Tonto Rim Search and Rescue: 60 Years of Service
Tonto Rim Search and Rescue (TRSAR) is celebrating our 60th year serving the residents and visitors of Gila County and Rim County. Our rich history dates back to our formation in 1964. TRSAR has since evolved into a respected search and rescue entity renowned for its unwavering dedication to saving lives and aiding those in distress. Tonto Rim Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer, unpaid, self-funded, 501(c)(3) corporation that performs under the direction of the Gila County Sheriff’s Office.
For 60 years, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue has answered the call to go out at any hour to face unknown situations in some of the most demanding terrain in the state and work together to help those in distress. Squad members come from all walks of life with various backgrounds and experiences. Dedication to service, ability to adapt, teamwork, compassion and tough mindedness are some of the traits these volunteers possess.
In the last 60 years, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue has answered the call to assist in over 940 missions, many of them going overnight into the next day. In 2023, TRSAR responded to 93 missions including 43 rescues, 37 searches and 6 recoveries. These missions range from searches for lost hikers and children, heat stress issues in the summer, hypothermia in the winter, serious injuries and bringing closure to the family of someone who has perished in the wilderness.
TRSAR was originally founded in 1964 by Gila County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jim Blackburn to assist in handling the many civil rescues in the Pine-Strawberry area. At the time, one deputy took care of all the activities in this area and there was more than one person could cover.
This led to a group of passionate individuals responding to the need for a specialized SAR team to assist with emergencies and conduct search operations in the rugged and remote terrain of the region. Motivated by a shared commitment to community safety and service, these pioneers laid the foundation for what would become TRSAR.
Since its inception, TRSAR has grown in both size and capability, continuously expanding its expertise, resources, and reach to better serve the community. Over the years, TRSAR has forged strong partnerships with local agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services, fostering a collaborative approach to SAR operations.
The members of TRSAR, comprised of highly trained volunteers from diverse backgrounds, possess a wide range of skills and expertise essential for conducting successful search and rescue missions. From wilderness navigation and technical rope rescue to swiftwater rescue and wilderness medical care, TRSAR volunteers undergo rigorous training to ensure they are prepared to respond effectively to any emergency situation. TRSAR search dog teams train several times each month to ensure the dog and handler are a unit and are ready to assist in finding those lost. Our K9 team has several finds to their credit. TRSAR has a world class dive team that has been instrumental in assisting within Gila County as well as other counties in Arizona.
Tonto Rim Search and Rescue has over 60 volunteers who fill a resource gap for the Gila County Sheriff’s Office and local Fire Departments. TRSAR operates in 4,800 square mile area (Mogollon Rim Country) that is a recreational destination for much of Arizona. TRSAR is also called to assist with SAR operations in other counties.
Throughout its history, TRSAR has remained steadfast in its mission to save lives, mitigate risks, and provide assistance to those in need. Whether responding to lost hikers in the wilderness, conducting swiftwater rescues in flooded rivers, or aiding injured climbers on remote cliffs, TRSAR exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and community service that defines the SAR community.
As TRSAR commemorates its founding year of 1964, it continues to honor its legacy of service while embracing innovation, collaboration, and excellence in all aspects of search and rescue.