Centre County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue

Join the Team

We can use anyone who has a interest in helping. Whether you want to brave the elements and hike through various terrains or you want to help with administrative issues either in base camp or office- we have a place for you. We also accept any donation to help equip the team. For an application, email your name, address and phone number to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , print off the online application and consent form, or just show up to any General Membership Meeting

There is a $20.00 application fee. The fee will cover your background investigation. If you send a check please make it payable to "Centre Search and Rescue"

Donate

We are a 100% volunteer team that receives no financial support from the county. All of our operating funds come from fund-raisers within the local community. We welcome any donations. Since we are a 501(c)(3) entity, your donations are tax deductible. For information regarding donations or finance please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your requirements to join?

Right now our membership is open to anyone over the age of 16 with no criminal record. If you want to work as a field member, we do ask that you have a sincere interest in helping people and be willing to work as part of a team in sometimes inclimate weather and strenuous conditions.

How much time will this take up?

CCSOSAR's membership meets once a month (Third Thursday of the month). There are at least one or two monthly training sessions and the chance of getting called out all hours of the day. While it would be ideal to have someone that could attend every meeting, training, event or search we understand that this is nearly impossible for most people. We realize people have hectic schedules and we do not want any other aspect of your life to suffer so we are very lenient as far as required time. Our philosophy is that if you can only give one hour a week, that's one hour that we wouldn't have gotten otherwise.
We also do not have a minimum residency requirement. Most searches last several hours with some of them lasting days. While you may not be able to respond at the time of the call, there may come a need to call in additional help or replacements.

Do you need to be an EMT or a paramedic?

No - but some SAR personnel have such credentials. Searchers who are not medically trained are expected to request trained personnel to the scene if the situation dictates. Most SAR personnel know the basics of Wilderness First Aid.

Do you need to be a volunteer firefighter or work in emergency services?

No - people from a variety of occupations volunteer for SAR.

How long do you stay in the wilderness?

SAR field personnel are expected to be able to be self-sufficient for 24 hours, but usually you're in the field less than 8 hours at a time. The time can lengthen considerably if the subject is found injured deep in the forest, or for certain assignments that can't be completed more quickly.

What other skills are required?

None are required when you start. We provide training in Orienteering, Communications, Safety, Gear/Clothing concepts, Litter Evacuation techniques, and other topics. Every CCSOSAR member who intends to deploy on field missions is expected to meet our minimum training standards within six months of joining. We would also like to see you attain Field Team Member status though PA DCNR within a year.

Are there any age limits for participants?

CCSOSAR limits participants to age 16 or over. There are no maximum age limits. We have a BSA Venturing Crew that allows boys or girls ages 14 or older to begin training in Search and Rescue skills.

How soon after joining can I go on missions?

CCSOSAR requires an Orientation (Call Out Qualified Training), generally less than six hours. The Orientation focuses on basic SAR concepts, callout procedures, Gear/Clothing requirements, and team rules. After that, you can ask for a Gear/Clothing check vs. our required list. For the first six months, you must always be partnered with a senior CCSOSAR member on any field assignment. This is not because we don't trust you, it's so you learn how CCSOSAR members conduct themselves on missions. Eagle Scouts do not need to go through COQ classes, but must present proof of rank and present their gear for inspection.

What are CCSOSAR Unit Functions?

CCSOSAR Unit Functions include: Business Meetings, Unit Training Sessions, Unit and Multi-Agency Drills, Fund-Drives and other Unit Public Relations Events, and Emergency Callouts. Unit Functions will be announced as such at a Business Meeting or via the list serve and posted on our callendar.

What types of SAR events does CCSOSAR respond to?

CCSOSAR responds to various types of SAR events at the request of official state, county and/or local agencies. These may include: Wilderness Searches for lost and/or injured persons; Walk-aways/Runaways (Alzheimer's patients, etc.); Disaster situations, such as fires, tornadoes, etc.;Drownings; Downed aircraft; limited Evidence and Criminal Searches; and, any other situation involving a search, rescue or recovery of a missing person/persons, whether alive, injured or deceased. CCSOSAR does not do any type of criminal/fugitive searches where the subject may be armed and/or dangerous. In addition, the Water Rescue Team is available to repsond to any water related emergencies.

How will I know when there is an emergency callout?

Members are notified of Search Callouts via text messages, telephone, and/or cell phone.

What special equipment and/or clothing will I need and where do I get it?

Included in your training standards are lists of Pack and Clothing Requirements CCSOSAR members are responsible for purchasing their own equipment and packs. Essentials, such as a compass, a flashlight, water bottles, good quality hiking boots, leather gloves, etc., should be purchased as soon as possible. Other items may be obtained in a reasonable amount of time as finances permit. Equipment may be purchased locally or through catalogs. However, before you buy anything, check with our Supply and Logistics Officer, they often have some great deals and a list of vendors that provide CCSOSAR members with a discount. Most members carry a good quality backpack, fanny pack or military ALICE pack.