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(KIM ANDERSON / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS — Are you over age 19, in good shape, have a driver's license and want to volunteer with search and rescue?

Kamloops Search and Rescue is seeking locals who can be available year round to help. 

Members assist police in finding missing people; they assist ambulance services in finding injured people, and the coroner's service in retrieving the deceased. They also do presentations at schools and more.

The website says candidates should be familiar with Kamloops parks, trails, and surrounding areas. 

You should also have a home life and employment situation that allows you to fully participate in training, search and rescue operations, and other team activities.

"Some operational tasks take place overnight and often into the next day," the KSAR webpage says. "The single biggest reason people leave any volunteer organization is because they cannot keep up the commitment required."

Applicants should also note that KSAR expects a two-year commitment after receiving Ground Search and Rescue training, which will take place on and off from January to April, 2020. 

"A search is an emergency and can happen at any time. Our volunteers need to be ready to be deployed into the field at a moment’s notice," the website says.

KSAR requires that applicants:

• Be 19 years of age or older with no criminal record. A valid criminal record check must be provided.
• Be in good physical condition and have the ability to travel safely anywhere outdoors in all seasons.
• Have a valid Level 1 Occupational First Aid with Transportation Endorsement, or be registered to take the course.
• Have a valid driver’s license and own transportation.
• Be able to communicate with KSAR by email or cell phone 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year.
• Have adequate personal equipment that will allow you to operate safely and effectively in the outdoors for at least a 24 hour period.
• Attend an interview and bring a copy of your valid First Aid Certificate, driver’s license, and a current driver’s abstract.

If you are interested in enlisting your dog, the K9 handler will discuss the possibilities with you.

Go here to learn more and apply.

If you do not meet the requirements go here to ask about supporting KSAR in fundraising or administration.

READ MORE: Stories about Kamloops Search and Rescue.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shelby Thevenot or call (250) 819-6089 or email the editor You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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