On call 24/7, 365 days, when people need emergency response

Since 1955, the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team has dedicated itself to saving the lives of people who become lost or injured in the San Gabriel Mountains. The all-volunteer team is part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and most are reserve deputies. The team motto is "Anytime, Anywhere, so Others May Live". Members are on call 24/7, 365 days a year and respond to the mountains when there is a reported lost or injured hiker, a car over the side of the mountain road, or to assist other search and rescue teams or the Sheriff's Department in a variety of search and rescue operations.

Members complete 9 months of mountaineer training of 26 Los Angeles County Search and Rescue Guidelines which include rappelling, climbing, navigation, search and tracking, lowering and raising systems, helicopter training, locating downed aircraft, and snow and ice rescue training which includes searching for avalanche victims. They must become reserve deputy sheriffs and attend a five-month reserve academy. The last step is becoming certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to provide emergency medical care to their sometimes severely injured victims.

The team consists of mountaineer members and support staff from a wide variety of occupations. These dedicated volunteers contribute a substantial amount of time each month to stay current and proficient on their technical search and rescue skills and medical training necessary in saving lives. They can be called out at a moment's notice for a car over the side of a local mountain road or an injured or missing hiker.

The SDMRT mission, "Anytime, Anywhere, so Others May Live" not only applies to those who may find themselves in need of help in the mountains, but to the thousands of people each year they interact with through educational programs such as Hug-A-Tree, aimed at better preparing young hikers, backpackers and mountain bikers. The team is also available for presentations to any school or community group interested in knowing more about the team, and will bring their rescue truck and related equipment.

The San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team is a non-profit organization. Volunteer search and rescue teams are the most cost-effective emergency response services in Los Angeles County. The sheriff's department provides most of the team's equipment. However due to budget cuts and rising equipment costs and changes in technology, the team depends on donations and fundraising events to help offset the cost of equipment and needs not provided by the sheriff's department. Recent team purchases not provided by the sheriff's department include snowshoes and crampons, swift water flotation vests and helmets, a lightweight titanium litter, and audio-visual equipment for training and public relations presentations.

Anytime, Anywhere, and the San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team is there.

If you are interested in becoming a member of this historic and vibrant organization or how you can support us, contact us today.

Also, if you have any questions about the San Dimas Mt. Rescue Team, please contact us.