| 1. |
What does TRSAR
do? Tonto Rim Search and Rescue Squad was created to assist
the Gila County Sheriff in civilian incidents of people lost
or injured in the back country of our county. We can only be
activated by the Sheriff's Office. |
| 2. |
What do I need to
be a member? First of all; a willingness to give of your time
and energy. Experience is not required, although it is
helpful. We will train you in all aspects of SAR that you
choose to participate. |
| 3. |
How do I join?
Attend two consecutive squad meetings and fill out an
application that will be reviewed by our Board as well as
the Gila County Sheriff's Office (GCSO). You will also need
to attend a Personnel Committee interview. After favorable
recommendations from GCSO, Membership Committee, and the
Board, the members vote to accept all new applicants. |
| 4. |
What does it
cost? Our dues are $20.00 per year but each member is
responsible for their personal equipment. Cost depends on what you
presently own and what level you become involved with. Items
needed include clothing (summer/winter), compass, pack,
flashlights, whistle, hiking stick and other misc. small
stuff. Other Items to consider, GPS, 2 meter radio, 4 WD ATV,
Rope Gear, PC, etc. |
| 5. |
Why do you charge
dues? Dues are required so that each person is qualified as a
member. The fee sets you apart from people who just attend
meetings without participation. |
| 6. |
Can my kids
join?
Any resident of Gila County who is at least 18 years of age
can apply for membership. |
| 7. |
Can my spouse
join also? Your spouse is welcome to join; we have several
husband-wife members. Dues for the second family member are ½
price, i.e. $10.00 per year. |
| 8. |
I am physically limited, how could I
participate? Due to the many facets of Search and Rescue,
there are always things that need done and every person has
talents that are valuable to us. Even those who are not able
to hike mountains will find meaningful activities in our
group. |
| 9. |
I have a police
record, does that matter? Arizona Statutes require that the
County Sheriff do a background check on all civilian search
and rescue applicants. Anyone with a felony record will be
declined membership. If you have a special case and feel this
should not apply to you, then you need to contact the
Sheriff's Office for clarification prior to filling out our
application. |
| 10. |
Can we carry
firearms? Firearms are not allowed on the person of any
civilian search and rescue person while on official missions
or trainings unless specifically instructed by the Sheriff's
Office. |
| 11. |
What about danger
of wild animals? The problem might occur, but in our 40 year
history we have never had a negative incident with any animal
or reptile. One recent summer there were some rabid animal
situations and the GCSO did allow us to carry small side-arms
during missions in those specific regions. |
| 12. |
How is TRSAR
funded? We are a private not-for-profit 501-C-3 corporation
and have no public monies; therefore we hold annual
fund-raisings to meet our budget. We also encourage and accept
free-will donations from individuals and businesses. |
| 13. |
Do we get
reimbursed for expenses? No, except for vehicle fuel used
during an official mission, any expense you incur is not
reimbursed. They are, however, tax-deductible as long as you
keep records. |
| 14. |
Are my expenses
or time tax deductible? Yes, with accurate record keeping,
your actual expenses are because you are a volunteer for a
501-C-3 organization. Your time, however, is not a deductible
item. |
| 15. |
Do you have any
paid employees? No, we are all volunteers, therefore all
donations we receive are used for the purpose they were
intended; the sustaining and improving search and rescue
efforts in Gila County, AZ. |
| 16. |
How often do you
meet? Our General Membership meeting is held once a month on
the 2nd Thursday. The governing Board meets on the preceding
Tuesday. |
| 17. |
Where do you
meet? The General Membership meeting is held at the Payson
Library Meeting room at Rumsey Park at 7:00 PM. The Board
meets at the Squad Headquarters building on Lost Oak Lane in
Strawberry. |
| 18. |
I have no
experience in SAR, do we get trained? Yes, we provide training
in all aspects of Search and Rescue, generally in our County.
Some specialty training may be held at other locations in
Arizona. We hold some type of training nearly every week, some
on the weekend and some during the weekdays. |
| 19. |
Do we get
involved in criminal searches? No, TRSAR is a civilian SAR
organization and the Sheriff has other trained personnel for
criminal incidents. |
| 20. |
Are we deputies
for the Sheriff? Only in an official capacity, during
missions, are we considered deputies because the Sheriff has
ultimate responsibility for our actions during that time. We
are not law enforcement providers and have no authority over
other citizens.. |
