Membership requirements

New members who want to be a hander will start out as a Flanker. The Flanker accompanies the K-9 and Handler in the field to manage communication, navigation and safety. Flanker Certification takes six months on average and includes field and classroom training steps. 

Once certified as a Flanker, that member may begin the Handler Certification Program to train their dog for search and rescue with a tested and approved K-9.   

Before committing to join the team, we ask that all interested members attend several training sessions first. Once a decision has been made to join, prospective members will be interviewed by our Team Captains. Then, once approved, the new member will enter the New Member Training Program. 

In addition to being a Handler or a Flanker, other important roles include ATV/UTV Transport Team, Command Team and OutReach Team. 

All training and certifications are done by the team instructors. Please see below for more information. 

Maintain communications and support the team in the field during a search. Provide continuous updates to the Search Team Manager. Set up command post onsite and maintain resources: Maps, Radios, Victim Description

Consists of a Handler and K-9. Search assigned sector during a search. Attain and maintain required training certifications in multiple missing person scenarios.

Work with the K-9 team in the assigned sector. Responsible for Communication with Command, Navigation and Basic First Aid. Attain and maintain required training certifications in multiple missing person scenarios.

Transport team members to and from assigned sectors. Transport supplies as needed, Act as a resource for the calling agency as needed.

Assist family and friends of the missing person who are at the site of the search. Provide refreshments to waiting family and friends, minister to waiting family and friends. Requirement - attend an 1-hour Basic Mission Procedures Class.