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About Rural Area Deputies (RAD)

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Rural Area Deputy Program (RAD) began in 2000.

Over the years, the RAD program has built many long-lasting partnerships with many government agencies operating in the rural areas of Mesa County.

Photograph of Mesa County Sheriff Vehicle on Snow Covered mountain road with trees in the background

Our Mission

To provide a friendly law enforcement presence to those who live, work and play in the rural areas of Mesa County.

The RAD program is responsible for providing services in rural areas, which include the communities of:

  • Debeque
  • Collbran
  • Gateway
  • Glade Park
  • Mesa

Remote recreation areas:

  • Rabbit Valley
  • Uncompahgre
  • Grand Mesa
  • Desert and river areas
Photograph of Mesa County Sheriff Vehicle on dirt road with mountains in background

Boats

The RAD program is also trained in a variety of additional specialty assignments.  They assist with water searches and rescue as the first responders by:

  • Conducting boat patrols in the rivers in our patrol boat.
  • Assisting in search and rescue efforts for those who are missing or lost.
  • Attending community meetings or assisting with special events in the county's rural areas.
Photograph of two Mesa County Sheriff Deputies in boat on river

Contact a RAD deputy

If you have an emergency call 911 or call non-emergency dispatch 970-242-6707.

Going to explore the outdoors?

Make sure you are prepared!

When you are recreating outdoors, it's important to be prepared. Weather can change rapidly, and accidents can happen.

Visit our Outdoor Recreation Safety Tips page for more information.

If you are ever lost, hurt, or need help in the wilderness, Mesa County Search and Rescue Teams are available to help. 

Mesa County Search and Rescue Logo

Support Search and Rescue Teams

Do you have a CORSAR Card?

If you ever need Search and Rescue it helps us pay for the cost!

By purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card you are contributing to the Search and Rescue Fund which reimburses these teams for costs incurred in search and rescues across the State of Colorado.

The CORSAR card is available for a minimum cost.

$3 for a one-year card.

$12 for a five-year card.

Purchase a card or renew your yearly sticker by visiting the Search and Rescue Fund website from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

I Help Colorado Search Logo