Operational Members:

Operational Members are qualified individual searchers and qualified canine handlers with canines who serve in the field. These members respond to a law enforcement request to search for missing persons and must be physically, mentally and emotionally able to perform the duties required of an operational team member. Operational members will acquire the two-part NASAR SAR-TECH II certification (written and practical) and achieve NIMS certifications as defined for compliance. Operational members include K9 handlers and field Team Leaders.

Topics included in the written SAR-TECH exam include: incident command system, basic survival, environmental hazards and first aid, SAR ready pack, land navigation & orienteering, search tactics, handling evidence, clue consciousness, tracking, ropes & rescue equipment, and other pertinent subjects. Six practical exam stations measure skills including land navigation, tracking, rope skills, search techniques and more. These examinations are based on the NASAR Standards for SARTECH. The SARTECH standards were formulated by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) and are recognized by many states and agencies.

Operational and support members may be called on at any time to participate in the search for a missing person. In the rain, cold, or middle of the night - these volunteers respond to calls that may be of an urgent, life-saving nature.


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