In 1984 a group known as the Bridgewater Tactical Rescue Team formed within the Bridgewater Volunteer Rescue Squad. In the early years the team covered a broad spectrum of specialized rescues.

In 1994, the team became an independent organization.

We are now Rockingham-Augusta Search and Rescue (RASAR).

We support our community by providing search and rescue services to the citizens of Virginia.

RASAR is a non-profit group. We rely on funding from donations made to the team to cover our operating costs.

RASAR is required by the state to run a background check on all applicants.

Our members are tested and certified by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).

Our rescue group is a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Search and Rescue (COVSAR) with Memorandums of Understandings (MOU) with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).

Members of RASAR respond to a SAR emergency with a formal request initiated by an Emergency Management Agency. When a law enforcement agency, known as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), is notified of a search and rescue emergency, it coordinates resources through the appropriate Emergency Management Agency.

RASAR responds to SAR emergencies under agreements with the following Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM):