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Frequently Asked Questions
The following should answer any questions you may have regarding BCSAR. If not, please contact the SAR Commander, see information at the bottom, or call the SAR Liaison Officer at the Bonner County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Wheeler is working with the three SAR groups to improve search and rescue services in the county. Toward this goal, applications are being accepted and plans are being made to rebuild and revitalize BCSAR. There is a place for everyone in the organization. Go to the DOWNLOADS page for applications.
Regular members train and work in "the field" during searches and rescues. A BCSO application as well as a BCSAR application is needed.
Auxiliary members participate in fundraisers, membership drives, grant writing, and other supportive but not "field" oriented activities.
If you are too busy or physically unable to be actively involved, DONATIONS are welcomed and tax deductible. Donations go toward upgrading equipment and updating skills. If you are a business or an individual and would like to help sponsor BCSAR, contact information is at the bottom of the page.
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Q - Is this a new organization and do you cover the whole county? A1 - No, Search & Rescue is not new. It was first formed in 1974. In 1996, it was incorporated under the name, Bonner Co. Sheriff Search & Rescue and shortly thereafter became a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. It has been relatively inactive for the past few years because the sheriff has not called upon its services. In Idaho, the sheriff is responsible for search and rescue activities within the county where another agency does not hold jurisdiction. A2 - We serve when requested by the sheriff. There are other SAR units in the county and which unit gets called depends upon where the incident is and what resources are needed.
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Q - What are the basic requirements for membership? A - The first requirement is a commitment. Commitment to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to safely carry out the mission, to make yourself available when called, and to conduct yourself at all times so as to bring credit upon yourself, the organization, the sheriff's department or other served agency, and the citizens of Bonner County. You must be 18 years of age and, it goes without saying, all applicants must be physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of carrying out the assigned mission. One of our members is a 70 years old, ex-Special Forces, prior EMT, a former county and state SAR Commander, and an amateur radio operator. His assigned mission is instructor and communications.
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Q - What do you mean by mentally and emotionally capable? A - We mean the mental ability to learn, remember, and act accordingly for your own safety and the safety of others. The emotional stability required to effectively deal with frustrations, to obey orders, to be able to deal with the situation when the search becomes a body recovery, keep one's cool when dealing with the victim's family and friends and with outside agency personnel or the media.
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Q - What happens after I turn in my application? A - Your application is reviewed by the Executive Board. You will be contacted by one of these officers and an interview will be arranged. There is a 90 day probationary period during which time you are expected to successfully complete the courses required by Idaho Homeland Security for all first responders. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Control System (ICS) are free and can be completed via the internet; classes are occasionally held in the area. The latter is also free and the preferred method of completing the courses.
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Q - Do I have to have a background check? A - Yes, at some point a background a background check will be required. It is important for the citizens of Bonner County to know that search and rescue members can be trusted. We are, after all, being entrusted with finding and rescuing their loved ones. When the sheriff calls out BCSAR, he needs to have confidence in the organization and in each of its members. We do not expect saints and past run-ins with the law are evaluated by type, severity, how long ago it occurred, and by repetition. Members are also required to stay out of trouble - no DUI's, brawling, domestic violence, drug use, etc.
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Q - Must I go every time I'm called? A - No, but frequently. Family obligations and work come first. However, you will be expected to make yourself available whenever possible. Members can be called anytime day or night - emergencies and disasters occur in all seasons, do not take holidays and, generally, do not come with advanced notice.
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Q - Will I be a deputy? A - No, you are not a deputy. Members, when BCSAR is called out by the sheriff, are acting under the sheriff's authority and in that sense, are deputized for that specific mission. If the fire department were to ask BCSAR for assistance in evacuating an area in a fire's path, we would not be firemen. A Deputy is assigned to BCSAR to serve as Liaison Officer and generally, a deputy is on scene whenever BCSAR is called out by the SO.
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Q - Are there dues? A - There are no dues. There are fund raisers that you are expected to participate in each year. BCSAR has a food booth at the Bonner Co. Fairgrounds. There may be other fundraisers during the year. As a non-profit organization, donations can be tax deductible. We also receive some reimbursement through the Idaho Sheriff's Association for expenses incurred during search and rescue activities.
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Q - Will there be any costs to be a member, what about insurance? A1 - There may be some costs depending on what gear you wish to purchase. However, most of the gear is pretty standard for outdoorsmen in north ID, appropriate clothing, including head and footwear, for the season and activity. Other necessary gear would depend upon your specific skills. Snowmobilers, skiers, divers, rock climbers, horseman, hikers, and etc., generally, provide their own gear. A2 - When you are called out or are involved in training, sanctioned by the Sheriff, you are covered by the same insurance as SO personnel. You should carry insurance on personal equipment, vehicle, ATV, snowmobile, horse, etc.
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Q - Will I receive any training? A - Yes, there is some standard training that will be provided in areas such as search and rescue management, land navigation, survival techniques, safety and first aid, and crime scene procedures. Some training will be provided by BCSAR or other SAR groups, some by the sheriff's office, some by county or state disaster management agencies, and some through your own initiative. Most training is free with the only cost being associated time and travel. There are some classes, like man-tracking, that can be expensive. If the budget allows, part of the expense can be paid by BCSAR.
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Q - What does search and rescue have to do with crime scenes? A - Every search has the potential to be a crime scene. The scene must be protected until law enforcement has gathered all the evidence they can. We may also be called upon to assist law enforcement in looking for evidence in specified areas. It might be shell casings, clothing, tracks, or any evidence that would indicate that someone had been in the area of interest.
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Q - Where do I get an application? A - Applicants for auxiliary members need only complete page 1 (pertinent medical information may be placed on the back of page 1 or medical section on page 2); applicants for regular membership must download and complete page 1 and page 2. You may download an application and a copy of the bylaws here: (Acrobat Reader required)