Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue is currently recruiting and looking for members from the communities of Langley and Abbotsford to join our team. We are a group of dedicated volunteers intent on providing unparalleled service when called upon by local and provincial agencies. Think you have what it takes? If you are a team player, love adventure and have a desire to help others, we would love to hear from you. Please ensure that you read the following information about becoming a member before applying.
Time Commitment
Before applying you need to understand the time commitment required as a team member of CFVSAR. Beyond the three hours of regular training each week are occasional weekend courses, public education sessions, and community events. Actual search and rescue calls can be as frequent as twice per week, with each lasting between 4 hours and several days.
Member-In-Training Process
Members In Training (MIT) spend their first eight months learning the Ground Search & Rescue (GSAR) skills and techniques required to become an effective member of a SAR team. MITs spend the next several months applying those skills and must be voted in as a full team member at the end of their probationary period.
Areas We Cover
While SAR teams may be asked to deploy anywhere in the province, our primary service area is bordered by the Fraser River to the North, Chilliwack to the east, the American border to the south, and Surrey to the west. Members will often travel in emergency vehicles, however, you may be required to have your own transportation to specific locations within our service area.
Gear & Knowledge
We strongly recommend you have the appropriate clothing, shelter, and knowledge to protect yourself against any environmental elements that may occur during the recruiting process. As an MIT, you may find it necessary to fine-tune your gear to better suit the needs of the team and most importantly, yourself.
In addition to the above, we ask that potential members:
Be at least 19 years old
Be able to commit a minimum of 3 years to the team
Pass a police information check with vulnerable sector screening
Have a valid class 5 driver's license
Can produce a 5 year driver's abstract
Have (or obtained by September 2024) a first aid certificate valid through 2025
Recruitment Process
Step One - Info NightAPR 30th
On April 30, 2024 @ 19:30 we encourage you to join us at our non-compulsory information session at the CFVSAR Base in Abbotsford. Bring all of your questions and meet the team!
Step Two - Application and Prerequisites
- Fill out our online application form (below).
- Complete the online course EMRG-1703; the Search and Rescue (SAR) model used in BC and the roles and responsibilities of each component in the SAR structure. Click here to enroll.
- Complete a police information check with vulnerable sector screening by visiting your local police detachment.
- Obtain your 5 year driver's abstract from ICBC.
- Have (or obtained by September 2024) a first aid certificate valid through 2025.
Step Three - Evening HikeMAY 9th
On May 9, 2024 @ 19:00 we will be holding a compulsory hike of the Abby Grind .Step Four - Overnight HikeJUN 14th
On June 14-15, 2024 @ 1900 we will be holding a compulsory overnight hike and field exercise on Sumas Mountain. Remember to bring your completed police information check, first aid certificate, driver's abstract, and EMRG-1703 certificate.Apply
If you are able to fulfill the asked requisites then we encourage you to fill out an application form today!
Application Deadline: May 8, 2024
Only successful candidates will be contacted to take part in the Ground Search and Rescue course starting later in 2024.
More questions? Contact recruiting@cfvsar.bc.ca