Longtime Sonoma County Search and Rescue Leader Pat Moffitt Dies at 84

Moffitt spent decades responding to emergency calls and leading search efforts with her bloodhounds

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Pat Moffitt, a longtime volunteer with the Sonoma County Search and Rescue team, passed away at the age of 84. Over the course of her 30-year career, Moffitt participated in over 700 search and rescue operations, often being the first to respond to emergency calls. She was known for her dedication, tireless efforts, and expertise in training bloodhounds to assist in search and rescue missions.

Why it matters

Moffitt's passing marks the end of an era for the Sonoma County Search and Rescue team, which relied heavily on her experience and leadership. Her commitment to public service and saving lives left a lasting impact on the community, and her work with bloodhounds set a high standard for search and rescue operations.

The details

Moffitt, a civilian employee of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, began training bloodhounds in the 1960s after moving to the area with her husband. She and her dogs were essential to countless searches for missing persons, crime suspects, and others in need. Moffitt was known for her willingness to respond to calls at all hours and her ability to navigate challenging terrain. One of the most difficult cases she worked on was the search for 12-year-old Polly Klaas, who was abducted and murdered in 1993.

  • Moffitt retired from the Search and Rescue team nearly a decade ago.
  • She passed away on January 22, 2026 at the age of 84.
  • Graveside services were held on February 5, 2026.

The players

Pat Moffitt

A longtime volunteer with the Sonoma County Search and Rescue team who participated in over 700 search and rescue operations during her 30-year career.

Roger Rude

A retired Sonoma County Sheriff's lieutenant who formerly supervised the county's volunteer Search and Rescue Team and helicopter unit.

Melady Moffitt

Pat Moffitt's daughter, who was with her mother when she passed away.

Richard Allen Davis

The career criminal who abducted and murdered 12-year-old Polly Klaas in 1993.

Eddie Engram

The current Sonoma County Sheriff who arranged for a helicopter flyover at Moffitt's graveside services.

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What they’re saying

“I can't recall a search-and-rescue call that Pat didn't answer – and was usually the first to show up for.”

— Roger Rude, Retired Sonoma County Sheriff's Lieutenant (The Press Democrat)

“She went through therapy after the Polly Klaas case. It was so difficult. But still, she got up and went out and did it again. She'd get a call at 1 in the morning, and she never said 'no'.”

— Melady Moffitt, Pat Moffitt's Daughter (The Press Democrat)

“It wasn't easy work. She'd be running up hills, through poison oak. She had a heart to be out there, serving.”

— Roger Rude, Retired Sonoma County Sheriff's Lieutenant (The Press Democrat)

What’s next

The Sonoma County Search and Rescue team will need to find a new leader to fill the void left by Moffitt's passing, and the community will honor her legacy through memorial contributions to animal rescue organizations she supported.

The takeaway

Pat Moffitt's unwavering dedication and selfless service to the Sonoma County community over the course of her 30-year career with the Search and Rescue team serves as an inspiring example of the difference one person can make through tireless volunteer work. Her legacy will continue to impact the lives she touched through her work with bloodhounds and her commitment to public safety.