Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success." Ernest Shackleton
Search and Rescue.We are now accepting applications for the 2009 new member class. Refer to the following forms and documets to apply. All forms must be completed and submitted accordingly:
- Sheriffs Volunteer Application; Includes Checklist, Application, Personal Injury Waiver, and Confidentiality Agreement
- EPCSAR Membership Application; Includes Application, and Personal Injury Waiver
You may find the following information useful if you are thinking of joining at a later date.
The members of our team are unpaid volunteers selected from the community. We typically accept applications during the last quarter of the year in consideration for the next year's New Member class.
During 2003, the EPCSAR team put in over 6,000 man hours with less than 60 members. Members make a serious commitment to the team and the community. In recent years the team has been maintained at a level between 50 and 70 members.
Each new team member candidate must successfully complete the New Member Training course before being accepted as a probationary member. This class meets two nights a week and once on each weekend for 12 weeks. The New Member Training course is very concentrated and completion of every session is a passing requirement.
A non-refundable fee for the New Member Training course will be determined in advance of the start date. The cost for the most recent course was $185. Prospective members should understand that they must supply their own personal gear (backpack, clothing, food, climbing equipment, helmets, etc.). The cost of required personal gear ranges from $1500 to $4,000.
Ongoing training is conducted four times a month (two week-night classroom and two weekend field sessions), additional duties on a Search and Rescue committee is mandatory, and participation in community events is strongly encouraged. All members must maintain minimum participation standards to remain a member in good standing.
If you are currently (or have been, within the past year) a member of a Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) team and are moving to the Colorado Springs area, you may apply for immediate consideration.
RequirementsTo submit an application, you must:
1. Be at least age 21 at time of application
2. Be a U.S. citizen
3. Have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
4. Have a Colorado driver's license
5. Be a resident in El Paso County
If you are accepted by the team, you will need to pass a Sheriff's Office background check. To pass this, you must not:
1. Have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary or of an offense involving dishonesty, unlawful sexual conduct, physical violence, or the unlawful use, sale or possession of a controlled substance.
2. Have been convicted of a D.U.I. within the previous four years beginning with the date of conviction to the date of application.