Helping Butte County Search & Rescue Go the Extra Mile

Butte County Search and Rescue – Chico, CA

April 28, 2025

When someone goes missing in the rugged terrain of Butte County, California, it’s the all-volunteer team at Butte County Search and Rescue (SAR) who get the call. Whether by land, water, snow or air, these everyday heroes – ranging from nurses and doctors to engineers and IT experts – step away from their day jobs to save lives.

 

With no government funding or tax dollars, SAR relies entirely on grants and private donations to keep their mission moving. That includes maintaining a fleet of specialized vehicles to navigate everything from off-road trails to snow-covered peaks.

That’s why Les Schwab is proud to donate and install new tires for Rescue 2, one of SAR’s key response vehicles. These tires aren’t just about reliability, they’re about reaching people faster, safer, and farther into the backcountry.

“Tire donations like this allow us to redirect critical funds to other life-saving equipment,” said Kevin Soukup, the team’s public relations officer. “When we have to launch a 17-mile convoy during fire season or access boat ramps and mountain reservoirs, it all starts with quality off-road tires.”

We’re honored to help SAR go the distance, because every mile they cover could mean a life saved.

If your nonprofit uses vehicles to deliver essential services, consider applying to the Tires for a Purpose program. We’re here to help organizations like yours keep rolling. Learn more and apply at lesschwab.com/tiresforpurpose.

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