King County Explorer Search and Rescue is building a new command and communications vehicle that will improve search and rescue services throughout the region.

This year, Explorer SAR was awarded $100,000 from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust securing the remaining funds in order to start construction in January. KCESAR expects the new vehicle to be in service in June.

The new vehicle will be larger, lighter, and equipped with technology to improve search and rescue operations.

Several community partners also provided financial support for the vehicle, including the Puget Sound Energy Foundation, Boeing Employee Credit Union, and the Snoqualmie Tribe.

KCESAR is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization of 300 members. Missions include lost and injured hikers, missing persons and crime scene investigations.

KCESAR also does community outreach to the public on safety and the Ten Essentials (http://kcsara.org/media/press_kit#backcountry_preparedness_/_the_10+_essentials).