USA NEWS TODAY: Once hailed as unsung heroes, the United States’ volunteer search-and-rescue teams—those who dive into danger to recover the missing and save lives—are now in need of rescuing themselves.
Underfunded, often overlooked, and loosely regulated, these dedicated groups are facing mounting pressure in the wake of sweeping federal budget cuts under former President Donald Trump. The reductions have slashed staffing across critical agencies like the National Park Service and NOAA, placing an even greater burden on civilian volunteers who already work with minimal resources.
“For years, volunteers have been the force multiplier for law enforcement,” said Christopher Boyer, Executive Director of the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR). “Now they’re expected to fill even bigger gaps, and it’s simply unsustainable.”
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The Human Cost Behind the Headlines
The story of Mike Sullivan—a Florida auto parts salesman turned volunteer diver—embodies the dedication of these citizen rescuers. After more than a year of scouring Florida’s canals, Sullivan made a chilling discovery in August 2024: a two-tone 1961 Chevrolet Impala submerged in Plantation waters. Inside were the remains of Doris Wurst and her 3-year-old daughter, Caren, who vanished nearly five decades earlier.
“It was deeply emotional,” Sullivan recalled. “Finally bringing closure to a family after so many years—it’s why we do this.”
Volunteers like Sullivan are not anomalies. Across the country, hundreds of skilled civilians are working alongside or independently from law enforcement, applying advanced tools like drones, cadaver dogs, and high-angle rope systems in often treacherous terrains. Their missions span from natural disasters to cold cases, yet their operational budgets often rely on crowdfunding campaigns or out-of-pocket expenses.
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Facing a Crisis of Capacity
The gap between what’s needed and what’s available is widening. In 2024, Skamania County’s search team in Washington State resorted to GoFundMe after thousands of dollars in equipment were stolen during a three-day search for two men lost in the forest on Christmas morning. Tragically, the hikers were later found dead after reportedly searching for the mythical Sasquatch.
Robert Koester, a search coordinator with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, emphasizes the uneven capabilities among teams.
“You’ve got some groups with cutting-edge tech and formal training,” Koester said, “and others operating with barely anything—just sheer will.”
Koester, author of Lost Person Behavior, has compiled data from over 500,000 search cases since the 1970s. His statistics reveal a harsh reality: while 80% of those reported missing are found alive, survival rates plunge after just 12 hours without rescue.
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Passion Over Pay
At Red Rock Search and Rescue in Nevada, commander Mark Speer oversees more than 160 trained volunteers, including pilots, medics, and even a 78-year-old nuclear physicist. Together, they contribute over 28,000 hours annually, often investing more than $1,000 each for their own equipment and training.
Speer, a retired law enforcement officer, said the most difficult part isn’t the terrain—it’s being seen.
“Getting recognized for our qualifications is the biggest hurdle,” he said. “We’re not hobbyists. We’re professionals who just don’t get paid.”
That emotional labor takes a toll. Speer recalled a painful search in early 2025 for a missing 17-year-old girl. The mission ended in heartbreak when her body was discovered in the desert, a suspected suicide.
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From Personal Tragedy to Lifelong Mission
For Keith Cormican, the path to search-and-rescue work began with devastating loss. In 1995, while searching for a drowned father of three, his brother Bruce died after being caught in a flood-swollen creek. The tragedy pushed Cormican to devote his life to recovery efforts, founding the nonprofit Bruce’s Legacy in honor of his sibling.
Today, his work spans high-altitude rescues in Nepal to deep dives in Lake Tahoe. His organization continues to serve as a critical lifeline for families left with unanswered questions.
Calls for Reform and Support
Advocates warn that without regulatory guidelines and sustainable funding, volunteer teams may collapse under the weight of expectation.
“Right now, it’s a patchwork system,” said Boyer. “We need standards. We need support. And we need the public to understand that these are not just good samaritans—they’re essential responders.”
With lives at stake and federal backing shrinking, these volunteers may be the last hope for families seeking closure, even as they themselves face an uncertain future.
