Training Land-Based Water Search & Rescue
July 21, 2026
We trained on land-based water search and water rescue techniques. After the classroom session, team members went outside to practice throwing rescue bags at targets in the grass.
Champaign County, Illinois · Est. 2012
When someone is lost, we go find them.
Champaign County Search & Rescue is an all-volunteer team operating under the Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management Agency — trained, ready, and on call to find lost and missing people across east-central Illinois.
Our Mission
Volunteers trained to bring people home.
Formed in 2012 under the Champaign County Sheriff's Office and the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA), our team's purpose is the search and rescue of lost or missing individuals. Every member is a trained, unpaid volunteer who gives their evenings and weekends to be ready when the call comes.
All-volunteer. No member is paid — searchers serve their community on their own time.
Always training. Ground search, land navigation, lost person behavior, ICS, first aid & CPR.
Part of the county's response. We operate under the Sheriff's Office and CCEMA.
Get Involved
Three ways to start
Become a Searcher
18+, willing to train and respond? See the requirements and how to join.
How to volunteer →Train With Us
SARGOT, GSAR, land navigation, ICS and more — in the classroom and the field.
See training →Meetings & Events
We meet the third Tuesday of each month at IFSI. Visitors are welcome.
View the calendar → Latest
All activities Recent Activities
Training 
Exercise Multi-Agency Mock Search
June 20, 2026
CCSAR took part in a multi-agency mock search, staging out of the Champaign County EMA mobile command post.
Photo coming soonTeam to supply
Rescue Knots & Low-Angle Training
June 16, 2026
Team members met at IFSI to drill core rescue knots and the fundamentals of low-angle rope systems used to move a subject safely across uneven terrain.
No experience needed — just a willingness to show up.
Search & rescue is a trained skill, and we'll teach you. If you're 18 or older, in good health, and ready to learn, we'd love to meet you.