Part 1 - Membership
(cf. Article 4 of the Constitution)
Membership Oversight
The PCSAR Executive Board shall monitor team membership and response readiness, recruiting additional members as needed to ensure sufficient operational capacity. The target number of qualified team members ranges from 20 to 30, excluding trainees, inactive members, and Special Resource Members.
Recruitment Process
During designated recruitment periods, individuals aged 18 or older who are physically and mentally capable of completing training and performing rescue duties may submit a written membership application to PCSAR.
Special Resource Members may be recruited at any time when an appropriate candidate is identified who fulfills a specific operational need. This determination is made by the PCSAR Executive Board, independent of general recruitment periods, to ensure timely access to specialized skills not otherwise available within the team.
Membership Classifications
PCSAR includes several membership designations, each with specific qualifications, rights, and responsibilities.
Applicant / Recruit
Individuals who have submitted a completed membership application and expressed interest in joining the team. This pre-membership stage may include orientation and introductory training designed to assess fit and readiness.
Trainee Member
Applicants who have passed the interview and background check process and are actively participating in team-provided training. Trainee Members may respond to calls under supervision, in accordance with their completed training level. They hold no voting or purchasing rights.
Voting Member
Individuals who have completed all application and training requirements, fulfilled check sheet criteria, and received recommendation and approval via membership vote. Full Members possess all rights and responsibilities as outlined in the PCSAR Constitution, Bylaws, and SOPs. Continued membership requires meeting ongoing training and response benchmarks.
Special Resource Member
Individuals whose specialized skills or expertise are not otherwise available within the full team. To support operational effectiveness, certain training, performance, or conduct standards may be waived at the discretion of the Executive Board. Special Resource Members have limited rights and responsibilities as defined by PCSAR’s governing documents.
Honorary Special Member
Individuals recognized by the Executive Board for outstanding service to PCSAR, either as team members or public contributors. Honorary Members do not hold any active team rights or responsibilities.
Active and Inactive Status
Trainee, Full, and Special Resource Members may be designated as either Active or Inactive. All Active members at any level should be covered by county insurance.
Voluntary Inactive Status
Upon request via email to Assistant Team Leader-Admin, and subject to Executive Board approval, members may be granted Inactive Status due to injury, illness, or other personal reasons. Inactive Status must be requested monthly. Inactive Members do not hold active rights and may not respond to PCSAR calls.
Reinstatement to Active Status
Members seeking to return from Inactive Status must submit a written request to the Executive Board. If inactive for more than one year, relevant check sheets must be re-completed. After three or more years of inactivity, members must reapply as trainees and complete the current basic training program.
Involuntary Inactive Status
Members who fail to respond to team calls or participate meaningfully in team activities for two consecutive months, and have not obtained approved Inactive Status per Section 1.4.a, shall automatically be moved to Inactive Status. All team-issued gear must be returned within 10 days.
Membership Termination
Members may voluntarily resign by submitting written notice to either of the three Team Leaders (Lead, Operations, or Admin). The Executive Board may initiate disciplinary removal of any member in accordance with PCSAR's guiding documents.