Explorer Search and Rescue (ESAR) has a proud legacy in Washington State and across the search and rescue (SAR) community.

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The ESAR program began in 1954 in King County, Washington, with a single Explorer post. At the time, search and rescue was still in its infancy in the United States. Many of the foundational SAR practices and tactics used today were developed by the early ESAR pioneers. Their legacy lives on in every mission we respond to.

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In 1966, Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue (PCESAR) was established as the second ESAR unit in the state. Since then, we have grown into one of the most respected and capable SAR organizations in Washington. Known for our professionalism, discipline, and rigorous training, PCESAR is among the most active and best-equipped ground SAR teams in the region.

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Today, the ESAR model continues across five counties in Washington, unified by Washington ESAR (WESAR)—a statewide organization committed to maintaining consistent training standards and operational excellence across all ESAR units.

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PCESAR specializes in ground search operations and brings deep expertise in:

• Wilderness navigation

• Emergency first aid and patient care

• Radio communications and coordination

• Search tactics and mission planning

• Administrative and logistics support

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Our volunteers—youth and adults alike—undergo extensive training to respond to a wide range of emergency situations. We are regularly called upon by federal, state, county, and city agencies to assist with missing person cases, wilderness rescues, natural disasters, and other critical incidents.

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Whether hiking deep into the backcountry or assisting in urban searches, our mission remains the same:
To save lives and serve our community—so that others may live.