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Champaign County Search & Rescue seal Champaign County
Search & Rescue Sheriff's Office · EMA
Home / How to Volunteer

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 — see the recommended equipment list

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 (read the policy). "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

  1. Review the general requirements above.
  2. Contact us to express interest and ask questions (contact info here).
  3. Complete the CCEMA Volunteer Application and background check.
  4. Begin your initial training and start attending monthly meetings.
Where to send your application. Return the completed form to Champaign County EMA, 201 E Main St., 4th Floor, Urbana, IL 61802 — or email it to SearchAndRescueInfo@co.champaign.il.us.

Equipment & documents

Urban field pack

What to carry when a search takes place in town, courtesy of Urban Search (Christopher Young & John Wehbring, page 48):

  • ID and uniform
  • Water and food (energy bars)
  • Maps
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Radio
  • Cell phone
  • GPS
  • Compass
  • Extra clothing or rain gear as needed
  • Note pad with pen
  • Field interview forms (if needed)
  • Plastic Ziploc bags for evidence
  • Latex gloves
  • Whistle
  • Pocket knife
  • Watch
  • Personal medication
  • Binoculars (optional)

In your vehicle, keep a cell phone charger or extra battery pack. Have kneepads, eye protection, and gloves in case they are needed.

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