About ISD Membership
Meet Our Team Members
ISD members come from a diverse background. What we all have in common is a desire to serve our community by being search and rescue volunteers.
RobynPhoebeDonAlidaLindaKarenHilaryJohnAndreaTim
WELCOME

Congratulations on wanting to start your adventure into the search and rescue community. As a SAR professional, you place a huge burden upon yourself, and we thank you for taking on this responsibility.  We need you and thank you for your selfless dedication to helping others.  To assist you in getting started in the right direction, here are some things to take into consideration.

SEARCH AND RESCUE REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING:
  • A serious long-term commitment is necessary.
  • 100% support from your family is vital.
  • Monetary sacrifices may be required since search and rescue work can be very expensive.
  • Personal safety is top priority.  You may find yourself in dangerous/risky situations.
  • A search may be a life-saving situation; therefore, the proper training is needed before responding to a search incident.
  • A positive attitude, confidence in your abilities, self-reliance and being able to evaluate your capabilities is a must.
  • You may drive several hours to a search and then find out the subject has been found.
  • You may have to deal with locating deceased subjects. 
  • Search and rescue activities are often very physically demanding; therefore, excellent health and physical conditioning is needed.
  • You may not know when you will return home. 
  • Honesty and accepting constructive criticism are necessary.
  • A high comfort level in the outdoors, even at night is necessary. 
  • Understanding and acceptance that you may encounter snakes, ticks, spiders, wild animals, etc. during a search incident.

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
  • Navigator: The role of the navigator to use map, compass and gps to plot the designated search area and safely direct the search team (dog, handler and navigator) to the correct search location. Navigators are responsible to the welfare of both dog and handler.
  • Command Center Support: Command center support is always needed. In the command center you will be responsible for keeping track of your team in the field and relaying information to the appropriate resource.
  • Dog Handler: As the dog handler, your responsibility is to work as a team with your canine companion and navigator. As the handler, your primary responsibile is the safety and welfare of your dog.

CHOOSING A CANINE COMPANION
  • If you don't have a dog, don't get one yet. We recommend that you become a navigator first before choosing a dog. It is important to spend some time with experienced search dogs so you understand the qualities, characteristics, and temperament a good K9 partner should have. It will also give you a better understanding of the breed types that will best fit you.
  • SAR dogs are expensive. You MUST have the right kind of dog to do this type of work.
  • SAR work is very time consuming. Expect to spend at minimum of 20 hours per week or more with your dog.