Search and Rescue open house Nov. 4

Custer County Search & Rescue (SAR) will hold an open house Nov. 4 from 4-7 p.m. at its new headquarters  at 1039 Montgomery St. in Custer. Especially invited is anyone interested in joining the volunteer group.

Visitors will be able to talk with SAR members about the three levels of membership in SAR: 

Active SAR members commit to monthly training and responding to most calls. They are trained on safe operation of equipment used regularly by SAR and are issued appropriate gear. Knowledge of Custer-area roads, trails and backcountry areas is helpful. These members should be comfortable hiking rugged trails for several hours at a time. Other useful skills include maps/GPS, computer/smartphone, vehicle maintenance and drone or pilot training, but anyone who is accepted will be trained as needed; prior experience is not required.

A second tier of SAR membership requires less commitment of time. Reserve SAR members may help with vehicle or building maintenance or respond to longer calls to bring additional resources such as food, supplies or personnel to an ongoing incident. They may be called as backup for searches that last longer. Some reserve members are called in for specialized rescues such as climbing incidents or cave rescue.

There is also Friends of Custer County Search & Rescue group which helps coordinate fundraising and other efforts to support SAR. The group meets monthly. Regular or reserve SAR members may also participate in the group.

SAR membership consists of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, including active retired people, couples, outdoor lovers, retired military or former police officers and ordinary folks who want to help other people when they are in trouble. SAR serves under the direction of the Custer County Sheriff and often assists Custer Ambulance Service with injured people in areas the ambulance cannot reach. They may also assist at wildfires or floods or anywhere help is needed in the county and the surrounding area.

If you are unable to attend the open house but have questions about membership, contact SAR director Rick March at 431-4097 or reach SAR through its website custersdsar.com or its Facebook page.