Membership
Membership in MarK9 is open to anyone with an interest in canine search and rescue work. While it is a lot of work, it is also fun. There is satisfaction in knowing you are contributing to the security and safety of your community.
Much of our time is spent training. Our team consists of support personnel, dog handlers and their canines. All members are required to learn how to be a support person. To be a support person you must have skills in a number of areas such as navigation, first aid, search theory, search technique, incident command, communications, helicopter safety and wilderness survival. If you are interested in being a dog handler, you will also need to learn how to train, observe and care for your canine counterpart.
While search and rescue work is voluntary, it is also a very serious activity. Peoples lives will often depend on our competence and readiness. In addition we place ourselves in situations which can quickly become dangerous if not managed effectively. Accordingly, all MarK9 members must be willing to make a commitment to developing the skills and knowledge required to perform effectively and safely. Thus attendance at 70% of all formal training activities is required and it is expected that members will continuously avail themselves of outside training opportunities to enhance their knowledge and competence in all phases of search and rescue work.
MarK9 is a Posse of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and, as such, all members must qualify as posse members and must meet the requirements established by MCSO.
If you think K9 search and rescue might be for you, contact us and arrange to come out and observe one of our training sessions. If you are still interested, a board member will go over the detailed membership requirements and application process.
Much of our time is spent training. Our team consists of support personnel, dog handlers and their canines. All members are required to learn how to be a support person. To be a support person you must have skills in a number of areas such as navigation, first aid, search theory, search technique, incident command, communications, helicopter safety and wilderness survival. If you are interested in being a dog handler, you will also need to learn how to train, observe and care for your canine counterpart.
While search and rescue work is voluntary, it is also a very serious activity. Peoples lives will often depend on our competence and readiness. In addition we place ourselves in situations which can quickly become dangerous if not managed effectively. Accordingly, all MarK9 members must be willing to make a commitment to developing the skills and knowledge required to perform effectively and safely. Thus attendance at 70% of all formal training activities is required and it is expected that members will continuously avail themselves of outside training opportunities to enhance their knowledge and competence in all phases of search and rescue work.
MarK9 is a Posse of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and, as such, all members must qualify as posse members and must meet the requirements established by MCSO.
If you think K9 search and rescue might be for you, contact us and arrange to come out and observe one of our training sessions. If you are still interested, a board member will go over the detailed membership requirements and application process.
