All it takes to be an active member of Sacramento SAR is a willingness to help others, a love for the out of doors, and time to participate in Unit activities and trainings.

To become a member, you must be 18 years old, submit an application, and be approved by both the Executive Board and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. Approval by the Sheriff's Department includes a background check. Your application, accompanied by an $80.00 membership/uniform fee, can be submitted by mail to our post office box, or you can bring it to a meeting.

Once approved for membership, the fun begins as you complete the requirements to become a qualified Associate or Ground Searcher. Requirements include: CPR, First Aid, Map, Compass, GPS, Man Tracking, Radio Communications, Crime Scene Preservation, Survival Skills, Knots, Low Angle, Recovery Techniques, Search Techniques, Helicopter Safety, and a physical fitness standard.

There are five categories of membership in Sacramento SAR:

Probationary: Members who have not completed all of the required basic training are considered Probationary Members. In most cases, basic training can be completed within one calendar year. Once all of the training has been completed, a member may petition the Board to be approved as either an Associate Member or a Qualified Member.

Associate: An Associate member's primary function is that of support. Associate members complete all of the required basic training with the exception of the physical fitness requirement. Members who have completed the required training and been approved by the Board are considered Associate Members.

Qualified: Members who have completed all of the required basic training and physical fitness requirements, and have been approved by the Board are considered Qualified Members.

Inactive: Members who have been approved as either an Associate Member or a Qualified Member may petition the Board to be placed on inactive status for up to one year. Inactive Members may continue to attend meetings, trainings and other activities but may not participate in searches.

Honorary Life: Associate and Qualified Members who have actively participated in the Unit for five or more years and who have provided outstanding service to the Unit, can be granted Honorary Life membership. These members may participate in Unit activities to any degree they desire.

For additional information about joining Sacramento SAR, feel free to come to a meeting, call our message machine (916) 732-5644, or email us at

membership@sacsearchandrescue.com

Click here to download the membership application