How to Join

ALCO SAR is now recruiting for 2024. 

Please contact us to participate in one of our Orientation Nights

Orientation nights are 1 hour in length and provide prospective members with unit information, unit requirements for joining and membership, overview of what ALCO SAR does, our Academy 2024 schedule, and provide an opportunity for prospective members to ask questions about the unit. 

Orientations will be held in November, December and January - 

Please email us at info@alcosarinc.org - for dates and times for the Orientation. 


Thank you!

All prospective applicants must attend one of the orientation meetings to receive an application to join. These will be accepted starting on January 1st and close on January 31stThe application will only be available to prospective members who attend an orientation meeting.  This is a one hour overview of the team and all dates trainees will be required to attend February through June.

Physical Abilities testing and Oral Board Interviews take place after all applications are processed.  Basic Training Class will then begin in May.

Prospective members are welcome to contact us throughout the year and get on our interest list. Members on the interest list will receive updates and information on orientation dates and training schedule. In addition, they are welcome to attend our unit general meeting to find out more about the team and its activities.

During the Basic Training Class, attendance is mandatory for every class.  Classes meet on Thursday evenings from 7pm-10pm and a few weekends.  The unit has attendance requirements to maintain membership to the team. All members must participate in at least six hours per month of unit activities by attending unit training's, callouts, or public relations events.

Some of the skills you will learn in the Basic Training Class include: search techniques, survival skills, map and compass, patient packaging and transport, technical rescue, knots, lighting and generators, tracking, and more.  But the training in the basic class is just the tip of the iceberg!

To receive more information about joining ALCO SAR, please contact the Deputy SAR Coordinator at (925) 803-7800 or email us at INFO@alcosarinc.org 

Click here to view the INFORMATION on the application process and requirements