How to Volunteer

No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to train, show up, and serve. Here's what's expected of our volunteers.

Requirements & expectations of volunteers

Although you are a volunteer, there are training requirements and expectations for participating in SAR team activities. We hold these standards so that when we deploy, we deploy a capable, coordinated team.

General requirements

Participants must:

Be 18 years of age or older
Pass a background check
Be in good health and of average or above-average fitness
Attend and successfully complete mandatory training (see the Training section)
Be willing to train evenings and weekends
Supply your own basic equipment and protective gear Equipment list coming soon

Expectations

Volunteers are expected to attend monthly meetings and participate in CCSAR training and exercises to maintain and improve skills and team cohesion. CCSAR has adopted a "Minimum Participation to be Rated as Qualified" policy for all members. Policy PDF coming soon "Qualified" means that you are on the call-out list for searches.

Volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, competent manner while participating in SAR activities. You represent not only the Search and Rescue Team, but the Champaign County Sheriff's Office and the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency.

Not sure you're ready? Most people aren't when they start — that's what the training is for. If you meet the general requirements above and want to help, reach out.

How to get started

Review the general requirements above.
Contact us to express interest and ask questions (contact info here).
Complete the application and background check.
Begin your initial training and start attending monthly meetings.

Placeholder The formal application steps are being finalized with the Champaign County EMA and will be posted here.

Ready to take the first step?

Send us a note and we'll tell you about the next meeting and upcoming SARGOT training.

Contact the team