Thank you for your interest in joining Butte County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Team. Our team is comprised of dedicated, unpaid volunteers who are trained in specific areas of search and, optionally, technical rescue. These areas include: K9 search teams, tracking, search management, rescue divers (DART), swiftwater rescue, technical rope rescue, helicopter operations, medical personnel, equipment operators, and logistical support. While we share rescue responsibilities as a member of the BIRG, BCSAR is the only agency that trains for and provides skilled search response for our county. Because of this we expect full participation of all members in search activities.

We have found that many prospective applicants have little knowledge of what Search & Rescue entails, nor how much time, energy, on-going training, equipment and personal expense it requires. We expect serious personal commitment in both time and resources and at least five years of active membership; it can take up to two years to become a fully trained and qualified team member.

Call-outs and training schedules will shape your lifestyle. Our call-outs can occur at any hour of the day or night, any day of the year. You will be required to maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, Hazardous Materials and Bloodborne Pathogens. Once you are a member you must declare a specialty and are required to attend trainings both in your area of specialty as well as other general team trainings. If you think you have what it takes and can meet the requirements below, then come to our next meeting. We meed the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at our headquarters, the Larry Estes Training Center, located at the east end of Morrow Lane in Chico. Each monthly meeting is preceeded by a classroom training at 6:00pm.