At the September 2, 2025, City Council meeting, Carrie Lee Gagnon, Executive Director of the King County Search and Rescue Association (KCSARA), provided an overview of the organization’s mission and impact.
The association brings together nine specialized units that handle everything from wilderness rescues and missing person searches to disaster response, evidence recovery, and public education. While each unit operates as its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, KCSARA fosters collaboration, serves as a collective voice, and advocates on issues that impact multiple groups.
One member unit, Seattle Mountain Rescue, established a North Bend base in 2020 within five miles of some of the region’s busiest trailheads, including Big Si, Little Si, Mount Teneriffe, Rattlesnake Ridge, and Mailbox Peak. “We are honored to be part of the North Bend community and [we feel] welcomed there,” said Doug McCall, Chair of Seattle Mountain Rescue.
Today, KCSARA’s 600 volunteers are registered Emergency Workers with the Washington State Department of Emergency Management. Three active members joined Gagnon at the meeting to share personal experiences of saving lives and serving their communities.
Councilmembers thanked KCSARA volunteers for their dedication and service. “All nine units within KCSARA provide incredibly valuable public service for our North Bend residents and neighboring communities,” commented Mayor Miller. “This service is fully funded by donations and grants, and it is made up completely of volunteers. We appreciate everything you do, each and every day.”
Over the past three years, King County has seen 483 search and rescue missions. Across Washington State, an average of 900 to 1,000 missions occur annually.
Learn more
- Watch the September 2 City Council meeting recording (starting around 18 minutes) on the city’s YouTube channel or Media Center webpage.
- View KCSARA’s “Beyond the Mission” video on YouTube, which shares the stories of volunteers who joined Search and Rescue.
Get involved
- Follow KCSARA on Facebook and Instagram to share public safety updates.
- Explore volunteer opportunities across all nine member units on the Volunteer webpage.
- Learn about sponsorships and donation options on the Partners and Everyday Giving webpages.
KCSARA continues to serve the region year-round, with volunteers answering the call in every season and circumstance. Their work remains a vital public service, sustained entirely by community support.
