JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

persons, boats, aircraft, and other vehicles. States can assist
elsewhere through interstate communications. Some States have highly
sophisticated communications networks, including automatic message
routing and processing, priority preemption, and automatic relay. State
officials, such as Aviation Directors, State Boating Law Administrators,
and Park Service Directors or their equivalent, can also assist. While
coordination with State agencies may be important to SAR efforts,
operational control of Federal resources is not normally assigned to
States.
223 County Agencies
In almost all areas, county agencies can provide SAR assistance.
Most counties have a sheriff, some with land, water, or air SAR
responsibility. Some sheriff's departments have highly developed SAR
resources and extensive communications networks. The sheriff is usually
empowered to form ground search parties, requisition rescue equipment,
and coordinate municipal, county, and State efforts during a SAR
mission.
224 Municipal Agencies
The municipal agencies and resources that are most helpful are
police and fire departments, and hospitals. Some have helicopters,
light aircraft, boats, or vehicles that can perform local SAR and
provide emergency care within the immediate area of a mishap. In some
areas lifeguard and beach patrols provide trained swimmers, scuba
divers, boats, and emergency care equipment.
225 Law Enforcement Agencies
On all government levels, law enforcement agencies provide a
variety of services and facilities, including aircraft, boats, patrol
cars, ambulances,
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