7-32-235. Search and rescue units authorized -- under control of county sheriff -- optional funding. (1) A county may establish or recognize one or more search and rescue units within the county.

(2) (a) Except in time of martial rule as provided in 10-1-106, search and rescue units and their officers are under the operational control and supervision of the county sheriff, or the sheriff's designee, having jurisdiction and whose span of control would be considered within reasonable limits.

(b) A county sheriff or the sheriff's designee may authorize the participation of members of the civil air patrol, including cadets under 18 years of age, in search and rescue operations.

(3) Subject to 15-10-420, a county may, after approval by a majority of the people voting on the question at an election held throughout the county, levy an annual tax on the taxable value of all taxable property within the county to support one or more search and rescue units established or recognized under subsection (1). The election must be held as provided in 15-10-425.