March 10, 2009

The Southern Arizona Rescue Association (S.A.R.A.), a non-profit, all-volunteer search and rescue organization that has served southern Arizona and Pima County since 1958, is excited to announce that the ground breaking ceremony for the new “S.A.R.A. House” will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 11:00 am. 

S.A.R.A. has raised $750,000 for the structure which will be a state of the art, 6,000 square foot building that will better accommodate facilities for training to include classrooms, storage areas and offices.  Because of its proximity to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Mt. Lemmon, it will allow rescue workers quick access to required emergency gear from a closer location.  

The S.A.R.A. house will not only be used by the Southern Arizona Rescue Association, but will be available to all Search and Rescue Council, Inc. groups, which includes the Southwest Rescue Dogs, Pima County Search and Recovery Divers, Pima County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and the Civil Air Patrol.

On behalf of the Southern Arizona Rescue Association, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department wishes to extend an invitation to all media to join us for this exciting event.  

Directions: Sabino Canyon north from Sunrise, then east of Forest Service Road 805 to the location.  SAVs will be posted to assist with directions.