I am interested in joining your team and I am not 18 years old yet. Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply with a permission form signed by a parent or guardian, but will not be allowed into the field. We welcome your assistance outside the search and rescue field by helping us in fundraising, public relations, or clerical tasks. If you are under 18 and would like to help us behind the scenes outside of the field, please contact us. As a junior member, you will be expected to attend a minimum of 50% of meetings and trainings.
I'd like to get to know more about your team before I join. Can I attend a training session?
Yes. Most all of our team trainings are open to the public unless we are doing a specific training for our members by an outside agency. We have a Training Calendar posted on the website that is updated with our latest training dates. All of the training events posted on the website will be open to the public. We ask that you please contact us first to RSVP your interest in attending a training so that our Team can greet and brief you on your arrival.
I'd like to volunteer my time with your team but I don't know if I can or am able to be on call or out in the field. Can I still join?
Yes. While most of the positions on our team require "on call" status to any place of emergency, we do have other ways you can serve the team without having to be out in the field. Our team always needs assistance in such areas as fundraising, public relations, and clerical tasks. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to help us in these areas outside the field.
Do I have to have a dog or a horse to join the Team?
No. You don't need to own an animal in order to serve on the team. We always have a variety of positions.
If I handle my own dog or horse with the team do you provide any reimbursements for vet bills or food?
No. All K-9s as well as Mounted SAR handlers are responsible for the financial upkeep of their animals while on the Team.
I am very interested in joining your team but I don't have pervious SAR experience. Do I have to have SAR or related experience to join?
No. While previous SAR experience is always great, it is not a requirement to join our Team. Under the careful supervision of the Team Chief and other administrative members, all volunteers serving our Team are properly trained in all facets of SAR operations according to state and national preparedness standards.
Are there certain requirements that I must meet before submitting an application?
Yes. Membership with the Four Rivers K-9 Search Rescue & Recovery Team has certain requirements which can be found by clicking here.
Do I have to pay a fee when I submit my application for membership?
No. Any fees that are involved as part of your application process, such as conducting a state criminal and background check, are paid for by the Team.
Do I have to pay dues when I become a member?
No. We do not assess annual dues to our Team members at this time.
Do I get a Team issued uniform when I join?
Yes. You get 1 short-sleeve shirt, 1 long-sleeve shirt, and you must buy your team hat, sweatshirt and BDU's.
Do I have to provide my own supplies and pay for training after joining the team?
Yes, our members must furnish their own supplies and equipment. An equipment and supply list can be downloaded here. Members must also pay for the cost of their own training provided by outside agencies although the fees are minimal. If the cost of providing your own equipment and training is a concern, please don't let this discourage you from joining. Our team is always happy to work with all our members in these special situations!
Does joining the team require a significant time commitment.
Yes. For most all areas of our Team, including Handlers and Backup Handlers, a significant time commitment is required due to training as sanctioned by state and national requirements.
Do you have any paid positions on the team?
No. Four Rivers K-9 Search Rescue & Recovery Team is strictly a volunteer organization and no one on the team receives remuneration for their time or experience. All services by our Team are always provided at no cost to the requesting organization or family.
As a strictly volunteer organization, our team members are not contractually bound to serve a specific period of time with the Team. Members may resign from the Team at anytime by submitting a written letter of resignation to our team secretary. However, we strongly encourage members who are thinking of leaving the team to discuss their concerns with the team chief. Please remember that it is a requirement for all exiting Team members to return any uniform items, shoulder patches, identification cards, and all other team property.