Membership
Many people see search and rescue as a glamorous chance to see high mountain adventure. While we strive to help people in the community, there is far more standing around, training, preparation, dirt, and sweat involved rather than glamour. In order to fully help applicants understand the true nature of this type of service, the process to obtaining full membership on the team is quite lengthy. The process can be long and frustrating but for good reason: People who are not serious about this commitment tend to give up before full membership is bestowed.
- Attend three consecutive business meetings, held the second Thursday of each month at 7:30pm at the Twin Peaks courtroom.
- After you have attended three consecutive business meetings, a panel that includes at least one deputy will interview you. After you have been excused from the interview, the panel will discuss your acceptance for membership and will inform you on their decision.
- If you pass the interview, you will be given an information packet to fill out.
- Complete the packet of information and return it to the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Office.
- Take fingerprints and photos at the central sheriff's station in San Bernardino.
- Take a physical examination by a qualified physician and have the standardized form filled out. Return this with your packet of information.
This will begin the application process. The processing time and background check is typically quite lengthy. Do not expect processing before 6 months and anticipate 9 to 12 months.
- Once the local station has received your identification card, you will be sworn in as a trainee. This begins your probation period
- As a trainee, you will be expected to attend 9 of the 12 business meetings and team training events in full uniform as well as beginning your county-sponsored trainings
- You will be issued a pager ($80 deposit fee) and expected to attend a typical number of call-outs once your have completed the Basic Search and Rescue course
Your time as a trainee is based on a large extent on the time and effort you have dedicated to the team. Typically this time lasts a year. When the governing officers feel that your advancement is justified, full team members vote on your advancement to full team membership.
As a full team member of Rim SAR, you are expected to continue to maintain your certifications in the variety of trainings that you have had, including First Aid and CPR. You are expected to attend monthly training events and business meetings. You are able to vote for officers and motions that come before the team.