Volunteer

Become A Search and Recovery Volunteer

We are always looking for new members who are willing to respond to the call. Few callings are as vital and demanding as that of a SAR volunteer. As a volunteer you become a person’s/families’ lifeline in a time of crisis. We work alongside police, fire departments and other state and local agencies. Our primary responsibility is to locate the missing, provide first aid and support evacuation efforts, if needed. Perhaps the greatest reward for a SAR volunteer is knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life. We also foster a deep community connection by providing safety education at events and at the request of organizations.

The greatest reward for a SAR volunteer is knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life!

A person wishing to become a search volunteer needs to be physically fit. We train and search in a variety of terrains and in all weather conditions. Search is also a team effort, no one goes it alone. You must be able to communicate, trust and coordinate with others. Every mission is also different. A person must be able to adapt and adjust to the situation that is presented.

There are many roles in SAR not just K9 handlers, so you don’t need to have a dog. We need:

Flankers: people who assist a handler on a task by looking for clues
Handling radio communications
Offering first aid
Providing ground support

Not all tasks involve the use of a K9. In addition, other support personnel are needed to assist at command.

The journey begins with a desire to help others and a willingness to learn. We come from all walks of life, but it does require a commitment of time and energy as well as some financial costs. We will do all we can to assist new members with achieving the required certifications.

We invite you to come out to a training and see what we do. Reach out to us using the contact page and we will get back to you and answer any questions you may have.