The staff and volunteers of SAR are community leaders and are very active within the community. Members participate in a variety of charitable and educational programs.

In early 2003 Sgt Hodges travelled internationally to Turkmenistan on behalf of the U.S. Government and Nevada National Guard on a fact finding mission to assess that countries search and rescue needs. In August 2004 Deputy Graham met with Turkmenistan officials to arrange the first training exchange scheduled for November 2004. For more information about this program State Partnership Program in Turkmenistan

Our SAR program recently received the 2003 Silver Star Award from Truckee Meadows Tomorrow for improving the quality of life in the Reno area.

In 2002 our Search & Rescue Program was chosen by the National Association of Counties from over two thousand counties to receive the national "Acts of Caring" award. We also received an award from the Public Relations Society of America, Sierra Nevada Chapter for our ongoing SAR volunteer program.

One program that we are especially proud of is our School Program, which teaches children what to do if they become lost. Washoe County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue working with the Washoe County School District has created an educational program for children that is offered to all schools in the Washoe County School District. SAR volunteers teach children in the 3rd grade the basic equipment needed when they go hiking and methods to help them be found if ever they are lost. The Contractor's Auxiliary has assisted by donating 10,000 whistles to be given to the students as part of the program.