ABOUT US
WHAT WE DO
Ground Search and Rescue
CALSARA conducts Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) operations only in support of the Calgary Police Service, RCMP, and other authorized tasking agencies. Our role is to assist with time-sensitive incidents that require trained search and rescue teams operating within established emergency management systems.
Non-Emergency Requests
In addition to GSAR taskings, CALSARA participates in public education and community engagement activities focused on safety, preparedness, and prevention. These activities are not emergency response services.
CALSARA is committed to reducing the need for search and rescue through public safety education and prevention initiatives. These efforts focus on helping people make informed decisions, prepare appropriately, and understand how to reduce risk before emergencies occur.
Public safety activities may include:
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Lost person booths at events
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Parade or Race Marshalling
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AdventureSmart presentations
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Outdoor safety and preparedness messaging
CALSARA engages with the community to build awareness, trust, and understanding of search and rescue services in Calgary. Through community events, festivals, school visits, and public booths, our volunteers connect with the community.
Activities may include:
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Public information booths and demonstrations
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Mascot appearances and family-focused events
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Community festivals, schools, and local gatherings
These activities are intended to foster awareness and preparedness, not to provide emergency response services.
OUR STORY
The Calgary Search and Rescue Association (CALSARA) was incorporated on April 21, 1993, founded by community members and former CFB Calgary personnel after the military left the city. Early operations ran from a member’s basement with minimal equipment and bright‑orange uniforms, later replaced by the yellow gear that inspired the nickname “the Yellows.”
As the organization grew, it operated out of community spaces such as the Braeside and Cedarbrae Community Centres, with equipment stored in locations like the LRT bus barns near Heritage Station. Capabilities expanded with an early ropes team, the Bike Team launched in 2001, and support for major responses including the Pine Lake tornado, the 2013 Calgary floods, and the 2025 Jasper wildfires.
CALSARA’s command vehicles evolved from a converted school bus to a former CPS unit and eventually to modern mobile command assets.
Through all these changes, CALSARA’s core has remained constant: volunteers ready to adapt and respond when people need help most.
Operational Assets
CALSARA maintains a fully equipped Mobile Command Post to support field coordination and communications during deployments. Our fleet includes multiple rescue and support vehicles, ensuring rapid response across diverse terrain. For specialized missions, CALSARA also deploys an operational Mountain Bike Team—enhancing mobility in urban, trail, and backcountry environments.
Our Call to Action
Across all areas of our work, CALSARA is dedicated to serving people and communities in moments of uncertainty. As a volunteer-based organization, our ability to respond, educate, and engage depends on strong partnerships and community support.
If you would like to learn more about CALSARA’s work or explore appropriate opportunities for community engagement, please contact us.
SEND US A MESSAGE
IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY DIAL 911
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 85129
Albert Park RPO
Calgary, AB T2A 7R7
Canada
COMPOUND ADDRESS
5705 23 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2B 3E2