Many Alaska search & rescue groups are in awe of the resources available to North Slope Search & Rescue (NSS&R).  The article is a little misleading though as most S&R groups are made up of volunteers.  The effectiveness of the NSS&R is greatly helped by being a department within the North Slope Borough government and has an annual budget of 10.5 million dollars (2015-16 NSB budget report).  According to the North Slope Borough 2015 Annual Financial Report the NSS&R had 25 full time employees.  While many of these are because of their air assets the paid full time organization and coordination functions are what allows them to undertake and accomplish so many missions.