Search and Rescue is a
Volunteer Career, not a Hobby.
The members of Lone Star Search and Rescue come from all different backgrounds with a world of experience. Each of us answered the call to serve others in need. We're probably not much different than you. We're an all-volunteer, professional organization dedicated to giving our best to be a valuable resource for calling agencies that need our expertise to help locate lost and missing persons.
No previous experience in Search is necessary.
If you will commit the time, we'll commit to providing you with the training you need to become a member of the team and a valuable resource to calling agencies throughout North Texas leading a search for a missing person.
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.
Special UTV Team only activated during major disasters, such as tornados. Requirements: own a UTV or ATV, attend a 1 hour orientation meeting and check ride in your UTV or ATV.
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.