GENERAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Involvement in any type of volunteer SAR program is a commitment that should not be entered into with out deep consideration.  The sacrifices associated with searching are often more than most individuals are willing and in some cases able to muster.

Unlike many community volunteer efforts, the SAR program many times experiences a high dropout rate.  This is often due to not knowing what to expect when joining a unit. There is nothing more frustrating than to invest time and money into an activity only to later learn that it just is not what you expected or are interested in.  In an effort to lessen these types of issues, we suggest discussing the program with several team members, your family and employer before making a commitment. 

Calls come for assistance at the least convenient time. Many searches may start in the middle of the night during the worst Washington weather.  Frequently you may be making decisions of missing personal and family commitments.  Most of the requests for our assistance come from outside Grays Harbor County.

SAR is an emergency!  There is no time to consider staying home to watch the ball game or mow the lawn.  Someone is in need of your help.  If you are looking for a new hobby or to join a club, this program is not for you.

The only way for you and your dog to become knowledgeable and effective is to train, train, and train. As you can see, this is a labor and time intensive commitment.  There is also a fair amount of financial responsibility.  The committed individuals we are seeking will need to have no fear of the rain, mud, darkness or the deep woods. 

Your attitude concerning the law and the people who enforce it must be of the highest respect. 

Membership is open to any person 21  years or older who resides with-in Grays Harbor County (permanent address (no P.O boxes), passes a Grays Harbor Sheriff's back ground check (no criminal back ground) and receives a State Emergency worker card and has the ability and willingness to acquire gear, complete all training and participate in missions.  Abuse of narcotics or controlled substances, addiction to intoxicants, conviction of DUI, a poor driver's record may cause your application to be disqualified.

A probationary period lasts for 90 days.  During this time the applicant will be expected to complete seven (7) home study classes, (see below) attend two unit meetings and two scheduled trainings.

 1.  Incident Command System (IS-100b) 

 2.  National Incident Management System (IS-700a) 

 3.   SAR Support 

 4.   Basic Helicopter 

 5.   Tracking and Track Laying

 6.   Theory of Scent

 7.   Scent Discrimination

The individual must complete the following State requirements before being considered for Field assignments.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=118-04

(1) Basic knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in survival     

     techniques and outdoor living.

(2) Completion of a first aid, CPR and blood borne pathogens class.

(3) A class in wilderness navigation including map and compass.

(4) Intermediate  helicopter operations. 

(5) A class in search techniques.

(6) A class in crime scene operations, evidence recognition and human remains   

     detection.

(7)  A class in radio communications

The above may require up to a year or more to fulfill depending on the availability of classes.  We stress that  you must be trained thoroughly as a ground searcher along with developing skills as a dog handler. Unit membership does not guarantee a "field" assignment. 

Note:  To be a working member of WCSD you do not have to own or train a dog.  Good support members are very much as important as the handler and his dog.

                                                  FIELD REQUIREMENTS

WCSD field personnel are normally required to carry a certain amount of equipment for themselves, their dog. 

Safety is always of paramount concern. 

Each team carries at least one two-way radio (normally each team member will have their own radio).  The unit will normally provide a radio and GPS. 

Field Personnel normally carry a 24-hour field pack with the following minimum equipment.

The Field pack shall contain at a minimum:

          A.  Water and Food.

          B.  Compass

          C.  Maps, (plastic bag to place it in) (If available)    

          D.  First Aid kit to the level of training Dog handlers include canine supplies.

   E.     Tent/tarp, ground cover or space blanket, 50' of cord. Fire starter/matches 

          F.  At least two sources of light  Spare batteries

    G.    Personal Safety & Comfort.  Whistle, Sunscreen (if needed) bug repellent, personal,  

         medications,  personal hygiene supplies.

          H.  Flagging tape, Marker for tape.  Waterproof  pad and pencil.  Knife.

           I.  Appropriate pack to hold all of the above.

Field personnel are required to wear clothing for the type of weather expected during a search.  During winter months (Oct 1/May1), cotton type clothing shall not be worn as outerwear. Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) or other camouflage type clothing is not allowed.  Upper outer clothing must contain a bright color.  Boots (leather preferred) for the terrain to be covered are required.