This is offered in the spirit of knowledge, and not argumentative.
https://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/rcc.html
For those interested in PLBs and what happens down the chain of command, read the above link. It's relatively short and easy. Here are the highlights boiled down to layman terms:
When you activate a PLB or ELT registered to NOAA:
USMCC (United States Mission Control Center) receives Cospas-Sarsat alerts and directs them to the appropriate RCC (Rescue Coordination Center).
RCCs are operated by either the US Air Force or Coast Guard. The RCC
coordinates the rescue response, but does not necessarily perform the actual SAR.
Actual inland SAR ops are usually carried out by state and local authorities, including state police, Civil Air Patrol, or other entity.
The US Air Force
coordinates all inland SAR activities in the lower 48 states.
The US Coast Guard
coordinates AND typically conducts all maritime SAR ops.
Alaska is different. The AK Air National Guard operates the RCC. It also coordinates and conducts actual SAR ops, along with AK State Troopers and perhaps local borough SAR operations.
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And a couple personal observations: I would expect the local sheriff to be part of most rural SAR efforts, as they are basically always ready to respond to local problems. I wouldn't expect them to assume command and control, unless they have the resources to conduct air search and rescue (think LA County).
My earlier point....which somehow got misconstrued....is that all these rescue efforts and entities are funded by the government(s), tax dollars, grants or volunteer funding. We don't get a bill from the troopers, Coast Guard, sheriff, NOAA, or Santa Claus. We have FREE access to the entire system, and it's a great benefit....perk if you will....for those of us who choose it. But it's all about SAR, and not about back-and-forth communications with your family.
If your preference is a device which allows communications, a Sarsat-Cospas device (PLB) may not be your best choice. You're likely better served with a pay-for-use device. You must pay a subscription fee and your SOS (if activated) is handled by a for-profit company (likely GEOS) which then follows its own protocols for who to notify in event of an emergency signal.