Pender County Search and Rescue - PENSAR

02/21/2026

11/20/2025

11/13/2025

Training, Exercise & Response Management System -

The Annual PENSAR Swamp Stomp will simulate full scale wilderness search and rescue operations in an austere environment. The Exercise will begin on Thursday and continue through Sunday.  The exercise will be divided into six (6) operational periods and will be managed utilizing the National Incid...

11/13/2025

Swamp Stomp is now on NC TERMS!!!! Sign up today!!!!

11/13/2025

We’re back!!!!! We’ll see you in January!!!!

11/22/2024

PENSAR along with many others were on scene for this search. We are encouraged by his conviction and thrilled that his escape attempts today were unsuccessful.

After six years, Hania Aguilar finally gets justice. We worked this case and were ready to testify. The killer did the right thing for once and plead guilty. Life without parole. Rest in peace Hania.

11/15/2024

***Rescue Mission***

On Thursday November 14, 2024, around 1 pm, NC Wildlife Officers requested assistance locating a missing hunter in the Holly Shelter Game lands. Units from Burgaw Fire Department, Pender EMS & Fire, Inc, Pender County Fire Marshal's Office, Pender County Emergency Management, N.C. Forest Service, PENSAR and Pender County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to assist.

A K-9 team, and drones were used to search for the missing person. Drone teams were able to locate the individual and were able to provide direction and overwatch to the K-9 Scout and ground team who waded through waist deep water to safely locate and assist the lost person out of the woods. The lost person had been in the woods close to 20 hours in cold, rainy conditions. He was located approximately 1000 yards in a bay away from the closest roadway.

There were no injuries reported during this incident.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office is just one of many agencies who assisted in this event. We would like to thank all responders who provided assistance in this Search and Rescue mission

04/30/2024

Joint Special Operations team training this past weekend utilizing SAR and Swiftwater assets. Excellent opportunity to use multiple resources for transporting SAR teams, locating "lost" persons, and returning all to safety. Thank you to all the dedicated team members who make training like this possible, providing a better service to the community we serve.

03/28/2024

Throwback Thursday:

In the late 90's and early/mid 2000's, Pender County had a strong working relationship with the USMC VMR-1 Squadron, who would assist with search and rescue missions, as well as hospital medevacs.

This program existed until 2015, when the final CH-46 helicopter took it's last flight from Cherry Point, NC on September 25th.

(Photo from a search and rescue mission in the Holly Shelter game lands, June/06)

03/28/2024

Good reminder for all SAR responders!

🚨 Three of our SAR team members fell ill after a recent rescue mission in the gorge

We’d like to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety by practicing good hygiene on the trails. Remember to wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer when water isn't available. Dispose of waste responsibly, and ensure your water is properly filtered or boiled.

02/14/2024

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jenny Merritt, a long-time employee and volunteer with our organization. Jenny was an Advanced EMT in our EMS Division and an active member with the Pender County Search and Rescue Team (PENSAR). She will be missed by all.