The Disaster Aid Response Team (DART) is an organization of citizen volunteers trained to assist the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department (LGMSPD) in its emergency and service functions. Founded in 1978, DART proudly serves Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and the surrounding communities.
DART has members trained in technical rescue, medical intervention, equestrian search, scuba diving, emergency radio communication, traffic control, and a variety of other skills necessary for effective search/rescue and disaster assistance.
The LGMSPD frequently calls upon DART to assist in a wide variety of emergency situations. The team has been summoned to search for missing children and senior citizens. DART has participated in evidence searches in several major crimes locally. The dive team has assisted in the recovery of drowning victims in Vasona Lake. Winter storms have brought the team to Los Gatos Creek to monitor potential flood damage and maintain an early warning network for Creekside residents. During the disastrous week of the Lexington Fire, DART activated daily 24-hour shifts at the Vasona fire camp to provide logistical and security assistance to the firefighters. After the main shock of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, DART manned the emergency operations center and augmented the Police Department, contributing more than 1000 person hours of support. DART has been activated on a mutual aid basis to assist with searches in neighboring counties, including helping with search efforts after the Oakland Firestorm.
Under the Support Services Division of the LGMSPD, DART uses regular Police Department equipment as well as equipment specifically designed for search, rescue, and disaster functions.
DART is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization and relies on community funding and donations to purchase equipment and supplies necessary to carry out its emergency assistance mission. Supplemental funding for the purchase of specialized equipment occurs through individual and service group donations, and sanctioned fund raising community events. As a Non-Profit, your donations are tax deductible. Our Federal EIN is 77-0109444.
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