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Membership Information
Joining Superstition
Search and Rescue can be very rewarding, but it also
requires a large commitment. In addition to requiring
ownership of various technical gear, group membership
also requires significant time - you may be called on a rescue that may
last days. We realize that not all members can just take time off whenever there
is a callout, but many members will work extra shifts to make
up time at work or even use vacation days for searches.
You will need to coordinate with your employer about
your involvement with the rescue group.
Your
family also plays a role in your membership.
Rescues and training take you away from your
family for hours or even days at a time. Your
loved ones may not understand your
commitment to the group and they might
sometimes have to take a back seat to the needs
of lost or injured individuals.
Make sure your family fully understands the role
and responsibilities of Superstition Search and
Rescue before you decide to join. Click on
thumbnail to see full-sized
photo.
On the positive side, there is nothing better
than the feeling you get after finding lost or
injured individuals and returning them to
safety. The heartfelt thank-you's received from
subjects and their families add to a truly
wonderful and rewarding experience.
If you are ready to make the commitment, then
your fist step is to come to a general meeting. At the
monthly meetings (click
here for 2012 meeting dates) you will learn more about the
organization, get to know team members, listen
to stories or recaps of the latest missions and
get additional information about membership requirements.
SSAR consists of three
main personnel divisions: Field Team (includes specialty
units such as Dive, Swiftwater, Technical Rescue & Mountain
Rescue Teams), Base Camp, and our Resource Team.
Use the links at right to learn
more about new member requirements for each group.
As of October 1, 2010:
Expanding on our proud 20-year tradition of excellence in the field of search & rescue, we are now adding another dimension to our state and nationally recognized team.
This all volunteer private non-profit Superstition Search & Rescue team has immediate openings for those individuals who want to "make a difference". Not only through the lives of countless innocent victims of injury or people who become lost on hiking trails but also those that need assistance within the Apache Junction City limits who may be overdue, lost or injured as well. We have been selected by Chief Jerald Monahan to assist the Apache Junction police department with critical life saving events through the formation of serving urban as well as Superstition wilderness needs.
This exciting opportunity is not only a worthwhile endeavor but is fun as well. You will receive expert training in basic search & rescue skills under the guidelines of the National Association of Search & Rescue protocol plus urban rescue skills under Homeland Security's C.E.R.T. program but will also become proficient in field skills such as map & compass, GPS, search techniques, communication, technical ropes and personal survival as well as working as a team to accomplish the task at hand. You will personally enhance your own lives through serving as a Superstition Search & Rescue team member.
If you're looking for a means to be involved in your community, help others in need and enrich your own lives through a healthy team-orientated concept, then apply today to become "One of the Best" when you wear the shirt of the Superstition Search & Rescue Team.
For further information - please direct your inquiries through this web site here.
Field Team - Minimum Physical & Equipment
Requirements:
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- personal and family commitment
- personal interview with board members
- background check through the Pinal County Sheriff's Office
- physical fitness test (3 mile uphill hike with 35 lb pack to be completed in 1 hour)
- group alpha pager
- rescue pack
- personal first aid kit
- personal survival kit
- signal mirror
- compass
- required maps
- whistle
- headlamp, secondary light, extra bulbs, extra batteries
- windproof/waterproof matches
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- rescue knife (one-handed opener)
- flagging tape
- notepad & pencil
- binoculars
- goggles and earplugs (helicopter operations)
- 4 quarts water (minimum)
- camelback-type water bladder
- two days high-energy food
- team shirt
- tan hiking pants (full-length)
- climbing helmet
- waterproof hooded jacket
- all leather boots
- GPS (strongly recommended)
- radio and remote mike (optional)
- radio chest harness (optional)
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Base Camp
& Resource Team Members:
If you feel
you can't hike 5 miles in 2.5 hours or don't have the money
to get all of the equipment, don't worry - you can still
join the group and assist with Base Camp operations, or
you may sign up to be part of our Resource Team.
Base Camp and Resource Team personnel are just as
important as Field Team personnel.
The volunteers
in Base Camp provide various levels of necessary support,
such as:
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- Base Radio
- Helicopter
Landing Operations
- Security
- Family
Support
- Snacks and
Beverages
- Logistics
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Resource Team members, while
not field-qualified, still provide an essential service
to the team through fund-raising, community education and
events. There are no physical requirements to be a
member of the Resource Team, and many individuals are
able to lend their professional skills to the team to
help with marketing, grant-writing, event-planning, and
more.
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Dues & Application Process:
Membership
dues for all volunteers (Rescue, Base Camp & Resource
Teams) are $40 annually, and an application and background
check are required. New members will undergo a
1-year probationary period while they obtain preliminary
training, and acquire appropriate gear. While this
is a volunteer organization, attendance and
participation in training events and searches are very
important.
So, if you
are interested, have support from your family and a
willingness to learn new things, feel free to attend a
meeting and meet the group. Visit our Events
page for meeting times and locations. We hope to
see you there! |
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Copyright 2012. All rights
reserved.
For questions, please contact info@superstition-sar.org.
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