Join us

Join one of the oldest and busiest Search & Rescue teams in Los Angeles County

Thank you for your interest in joining Montrose Search and Rescue.  We are one of the oldest and busiest search and rescue teams in Los Angeles County.  

Montrose Search & Rescue is comprised of 100% volunteers which are a mixture of Los Angeles County Sherriff Reserve Deputies as well as Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Volunteer Specialists.  All team members are EMTs and have gone through 2-3 years of mountain rescue training.  

Full team members are required to maintain a high standard of physical fitness in order to engage in arduous activity for prolonged periods of time.  For example, carrying heavy loads of equipment and/or patients while hiking for extended distances.  They are expected to respond to 25% of approximately 130 calls per year.  In addition, they attend team meetings, team trainings, and public relation events.  

As part of the 911 system, team members adhere to a high standard of care.  An active member can easily contribute a minimum of 30 hours a month to the team.

Applicant process

The applicant process starts with attending a team meeting to learn more about the team, including the membership process.  We also encourage you to fill out a questionnaire (link below) that will give us an opportunity to know more about you. 

As you go through the membership process, you will be asked to complete a physical agility test and a timed hike with a weighted pack. You have six months to attend four team meetings, four team trainings, and four patrol ride-alongs before being eligible for a formal team interview. 

Team meetings are held the first Wednesday evening of the month at 7:00 pm at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station.  For applicants, this usually takes 1-2 hours.

Please email us here if you are interested in attending a meeting.

Team Trainings are on the last Sunday of every month at 7:30 am at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station.  The team heads to a predetermined location for specific training.  For example,  team trainings may consist of search and tracking, snow and ice or technical rescue.  It may also be a hike or medical training. 

The meetings, trainings, and patrol ride-alongs provide you with opportunities to ask questions.  You will learn what the team does and see if this is something you want to pursue. These events also give the team an opportunity to get to know you. 

Before the formal interview, you are expected to learn the basic locations the team often responds. You are also expected to learn several common knots.   

Your status as an applicant can be terminated at any time for any reason.

Formal Interview

After completing the above requirements, you will have a formal interview with the team. This interview is the time for the team to ask you final questions about your background, your lifestyle, your commitment, and what you can bring to the team. 

After the interview, the team will vote to either move you forward, or excuse you from the process. 

If you are voted to move forward, you will need to obtain your EMT certification and pass the EMT National Registry exam.  Following that, you will submit a Civilian Volunteer Specialist (CVS) application, which involves a live scan and a background check.  If you pass this step, you become a Civilian Volunteer Specialist with LASD and officially become a Probationary Member (trainee) with the team.

You are ready to start mountain rescue training!

At this time, you are also required to submit an  application to attend the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Reserve Academy.   

Please note completion of any or all the Sheriff volunteer and/or the EMT processes does not guarantee becoming a full Team member.

Probationary Member (trainee) Process 

As a Probationary Member (trainee) you will be assigned a training officer, issued certain required equipment/ gear and begin the process of training.  You will be able to respond to emergency calls as an observer only.  

You are required to train with your class (trainees and Training officer) at least one weekday evening each week and one weekend day a month. In your personal time, you will be expected to study and practice skills on your own. 

You will need to respond to a minimum of 40% of the team’s call outs, and 80% of team meetings, team training and trainee trainings. You will be encouraged to participate in PR and other team events.  

The trainee process is at least 12-18 months, during this time you will be required to maintain peak physical fitness.  Trainees will be expected to pass progress tests with a high level of accuracy.  

After the trainee passes a written and practical mountain rescue skills test, the team will hold a vote by secret ballot to advance the trainee to full team membership. 

Your status as a Probationary Member with the team may be terminated at any time, for any reason. 

Becoming a member of Montrose Search and Rescue requires an extensive commitment. However, you will find that the result is worth the effort!

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.