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Thank you for your interest in the
Thank you for your interest in the
Fresno County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Mountaineering Team
Fresno County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Mountaineering Team
We are an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3), organization formed in 1982. Our group of volunteers augments the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office during search and rescue operations in Fresno County and anywhere in the state of California when requested to assist.
We are an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3), organization formed in 1982. Our group of volunteers augments the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office during search and rescue operations in Fresno County and anywhere in the state of California when requested to assist.
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
To provide highly skilled and dedicated volunteers to assist the Fresno County Sheriff's Office and other agencies requesting mutual aid in search and rescue operations.
To provide highly skilled and dedicated volunteers to assist the Fresno County Sheriff's Office and other agencies requesting mutual aid in search and rescue operations.
What we do
What we do
Our team is composed primarily of Ground Searchers, commonly referred to as “Ground Pounders”. To break things down in the simplest of terms: When there is a reported missing subject or party, under the direction of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, we respond into the area and look for them. We use specific training and current search techniques, as well as the information we obtain and know about our missing subject(s), to increase the probability of finding them. The majority of our searches are off trail, non-technical hiking that involves a moderate level of physical activity and exertion.
Our team is composed primarily of Ground Searchers, commonly referred to as “Ground Pounders”. To break things down in the simplest of terms: When there is a reported missing subject or party, under the direction of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, we respond into the area and look for them. We use specific training and current search techniques, as well as the information we obtain and know about our missing subject(s), to increase the probability of finding them. The majority of our searches are off trail, non-technical hiking that involves a moderate level of physical activity and exertion.
How we prepare
How we prepare
Members are expected to maintain a minimum physical fitness level to ensure they will be able to hike several miles and still be able to conduct search activities without being a hindrance to the operation. Annual physical fitness testing is required and includes a fitness hike and skills test. Physical fitness testing is also the first step to becoming a team member. The entry-level requirement to become a member of the team involves successfully completing a minimum 8-mile hike with at least 2000 feet of elevation change, while carrying a 25lbs. backpack, within a three-hour time limit. This level of fitness is known as Type 2.
Members are expected to maintain a minimum physical fitness level to ensure they will be able to hike several miles and still be able to conduct search activities without being a hindrance to the operation. Annual physical fitness testing is required and includes a fitness hike and skills test. Physical fitness testing is also the first step to becoming a team member. The entry-level requirement to become a member of the team involves successfully completing a minimum 8-mile hike with at least 2000 feet of elevation change, while carrying a 25lbs. backpack, within a three-hour time limit. This level of fitness is known as Type 2.
The performance levels are based on individual abilities and the potential types of terrain in the search area. In your first year, you will be required to obtain the Level 2 Ground Searcher typing. This involves demonstrating basic wilderness survival skills, First-aid / CPR certification and knowledge of basic search techniques and principles.
The performance levels are based on individual abilities and the potential types of terrain in the search area. In your first year, you will be required to obtain the Level 2 Ground Searcher typing. This involves demonstrating basic wilderness survival skills, First-aid / CPR certification and knowledge of basic search techniques and principles.
With team provided training during the first year, full members are expected to maintain qualifications in Basic First Aid, CPR, Land Navigation, Radio and Field Interview Procedures, and Man-tracking. Both High Angle Technical Rope Rescue and Swift Water Rescue training is also available, but not required, at no cost to the member.
With team provided training during the first year, full members are expected to maintain qualifications in Basic First Aid, CPR, Land Navigation, Radio and Field Interview Procedures, and Man-tracking. Both High Angle Technical Rope Rescue and Swift Water Rescue training is also available, but not required, at no cost to the member.
Time and resource commitments
Time and resource commitments
Because missions may come at any time or location, there is little notice when a search event occurs. Members are encouraged to make arrangements with employers and family which will allow for their services on short notice. Members are expected to depart for a search within one hour of committing to the search and be capable of sustaining themselves for three (3) days in the field.
Because missions may come at any time or location, there is little notice when a search event occurs. Members are encouraged to make arrangements with employers and family which will allow for their services on short notice. Members are expected to depart for a search within one hour of committing to the search and be capable of sustaining themselves for three (3) days in the field.
Many of our missions require only the use of a 'day pack' with the minimum essentials to be self-sufficient for one day and have the ability to spend the night in the field, if needed. Some missions require members to be self-sufficient for 72 hours (including food, shelter and sleeping gear).
Many of our missions require only the use of a 'day pack' with the minimum essentials to be self-sufficient for one day and have the ability to spend the night in the field, if needed. Some missions require members to be self-sufficient for 72 hours (including food, shelter and sleeping gear).
Team members are responsible for their own gear. This can include appropriate footwear, backpack, clothing, shelter and sleep system for the environment in which we search. The team provides one team uniform shirt. Team members are responsible for their uniform pants. Members are also responsible for their own method of transportation to and from training and searches. Some members car-pool and the team will often 'convoy' to training or missions. 4x4 vehicles are not required for most locations where we respond.
Team members are responsible for their own gear. This can include appropriate footwear, backpack, clothing, shelter and sleep system for the environment in which we search. The team provides one team uniform shirt. Team members are responsible for their uniform pants. Members are also responsible for their own method of transportation to and from training and searches. Some members car-pool and the team will often 'convoy' to training or missions. 4x4 vehicles are not required for most locations where we respond.
Our team meetings are normally conducted on the first Wednesday evening and team trainings on the third Saturday of each month. In addition to monthly team training, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office sponsors two major joint trainings a year, one in the summer and one in the winter.
Our team meetings are normally conducted on the first Wednesday evening and team trainings on the third Saturday of each month. In addition to monthly team training, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office sponsors two major joint trainings a year, one in the summer and one in the winter.
Members are required to participate on an ongoing basis in team trainings, meetings and search callouts. Community events are also an area where the presence of the Mountaineering team is greatly appreciated. Because the team has an operating budget and must be self-sustaining, the team participates in several fundraising events throughout the year and team member attendance at these events is not only appreciated but is critical to the support of our mission.
Members are required to participate on an ongoing basis in team trainings, meetings and search callouts. Community events are also an area where the presence of the Mountaineering team is greatly appreciated. Because the team has an operating budget and must be self-sustaining, the team participates in several fundraising events throughout the year and team member attendance at these events is not only appreciated but is critical to the support of our mission.
We accept applications continuously and interview prospective members twice a year. Applicants are interviewed, undergo a background check and participate in an intensive training course. This process takes several months from the time of interview to being trained for mission ready status. Upon satisfactory completion, members will be issued a California State Disaster Service Worker number, which will identify you as a member of our Search & Rescue Team.
We accept applications continuously and interview prospective members twice a year. Applicants are interviewed, undergo a background check and participate in an intensive training course. This process takes several months from the time of interview to being trained for mission ready status. Upon satisfactory completion, members will be issued a California State Disaster Service Worker number, which will identify you as a member of our Search & Rescue Team.
To learn more about the classifications of Search and Rescue visit the CalOES website and view the 'Search and Rescue Mutual Aid Program'
To learn more about the classifications of Search and Rescue visit the CalOES website and view the 'Search and Rescue Mutual Aid Program'
I hope this information has answered some basic questions. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
I hope this information has answered some basic questions. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
Regards,
Regards,
Martin Wendels,
Martin Wendels,
Member at Large - Fresno County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Mountaineering Team
Member at Large - Fresno County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Mountaineering Team
martin.wendels@fresnosar.org
martin.wendels@fresnosar.org
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