JOIN THE TEAM
Joining Us:
Thank you for your interest in becoming a search and rescue volunteer. If you are ready to contribute your time and skills to SAR, we think you’ll find it one of the most rewarding volunteer commitments you will ever make as you make a difference in the lives of those who need us. Many of our members have been with the unit for years, even decades, and we always welcome new members to the team.

Your first step is to fill out the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Application for Search and Rescue. Once your application has been submitted to the Sheriff’s Office, your information will be screened. If the application is approved, you will be invited to attend an orientation and the annual New Member Academy. Academy courses are mandatory and must be completed before you will be placed on call and able to go on a mission. The $100 orientation fee must be paid in full prior to the start of the Academy. In addition, there is a physical requirement for all SAR members, who must be able to complete a two-mile hike with a 25-pound pack.

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SAR members pay annual dues of $25 and must commit to:
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Serve at least 50 hours per calendar year, including SAR mission time, training, maintenance of facilities and equipment, meetings, events and more;
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Participate in a minimum of 4 missions per year;
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Complete at least two 2 trainings per year;
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Maintain mission readiness with ongoing certification in personal safety, map, and compass, GPS and ATV operation.
2023 Academy - Important Info
The Application Period for the 2023 Academy is now open. Applications will close on February 3rd at the close of business that day. Successful applicants will be notified about acceptance by 1700 (5pm) on February 24th, 2022.
Applications can be submitted in the following manner:
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Drop at the front desk of the Sheriffs office during normal business hours.
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Email to adick@coconino.az.gov
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Mail to 911 East Sawmill Road - Flagstaff, AZ, 86001 "ATTN: SAR - SGT. A. DICK"
Please note that in order to Apply to the Coconino County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit, you must...
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Be at least 18 years old,
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Be a resident of Coconino County for 6 months of the year,
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Not have any felony arrests or convictions.
If your application is approved, the applicant will be invited to participate in a mandatory Information Session on either Wednesday, March 1st at 1900 (7pm), or Saturday, March 4th at 0900 (9am)
The 2023 SAR Academy schedule is as follows:
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March 25: SAR Academy I - Policy/Procedure/Resiliency
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March 26: SAR Academy II-Fitness Hike/Personal Safety/Risk Management/Leadership and Followership
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April 1: SAR Academy IIIA- Map and Compass classroom and selected Field Exercises
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April 8: SAR Academy IIIB- Map and Compass Field Course
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April 15: SAR Academy IV - GPS
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April 16: SAR Academy V -Tracking
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April 22: SAR Academy VI - Communications Equipment and Technology
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April 23: SAR Academy VII - Search Theory/Tactics and Low Angle Rescue
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April 29: SAR Academy VIII - ATV/UTV/Humvee/Trailer
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April 30: SAR Academy IX- Trailer Operations/Pack Check
Depending on the status of COVID-19 at the scheduled time of the academy, the date(s), time(s), delivery, and format may change. The Coconino County Sheriff's Office reserves the right to change, modify, and or cancel the Academy at any time.
For more information, download our membership brochure below.
