Summit to Sound Search and Rescue

These are the bylaws for Summit to Sound Search and Rescue, abbreviated “STS-SAR” and commonly referred to as the unit in these bylaws. The unit was incorporated in the State of Washington, United States of America. The unit shall be non-political, non-partisan, and not for profit.

Article II - Mission

Summit to Sound Search and Rescue is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to provide professional search and rescue services through the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office to the northwest Washington region.

Article III - Membership

Members of this unit are all volunteers. Search and Rescue is a diverse effort requiring a diverse group of professional volunteers who are dedicated to helping people.

Section 3.01   Eligibility and Application
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be dedicated to helping others. Applicants must hold a valid driver's license and must be eligible for a Washington State Emergency Worker Identification card as issued by local emergency management. Applicants may be subject to a background investigation by the Whatcom County Sheriff's Department or their designee and the results constitute a part of the application process.

Section 3.02   Dues and Roster
All members upon joining the unit and annually (at the first membership meeting of the year) shall pay any dues established by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Member’s names and contact information shall be listed on the roster, which will be submitted to local emergency managers.

Section 3.03   Maintaining Membership
All members are to maintain certain qualifications.
o Meet minimum state legal volunteer responder requirements for search and rescue as specified in WAC 118.04.120.
o Meet additional unit requirements as defined in the policies.

Section 3.04   Leaves of Absence
Members may submit a leave of absence as outlined in the policies.

Section 3.05   Membership Meetings
The membership shall meet at least 10 months of the year.

Section 3.06   Equipment
Members will outfit themselves with personally owned equipment and consumables as defined in the policies. This equipment shall be the sole responsibility of the member.

Section 3.07   Member Behavior and Responsibilities
Members are expected to maintain professional behavior. It is in the best interest of the unit to have members who are courteous, thoughtful, alert to danger and respectful of other persons and property. Search and Rescue is a team activity and members are expected to be able to work with others in a positive team environment. Members not acting in the best interest of the unit may be brought before the Board of Directors for review.

Members must comply with WAC 118.04.200 which outlines the state expectations and requirements of emergency workers.

Section 3.08   Membership Policies
The Board of Directors shall propose policies, procedures or tasks concerning the general membership. These proposals are subject to membership approval.

Section 3.09   Logos
Unit logos include the main unit logo and all team logos. Unit logos can only be publicly displayed by current members and cannot be used for financial gain.

Board of Directors must approve any new manufacture of the logo, including all formats and media.

It is the member’s responsibility to remove all logos from any vehicle before it is sold.

Article IV - Governing Body

Section 4.01   Governance
A Board of Directors comprised of the elected officers and a representative from each specialty group shall direct this unit. The elected officers are president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and training officer. Each of these positions is elected for a term of 2 years. No more than two elected officers may be auxiliary members. This Board of Directors shall meet regularly as determined by the president and vice-president or by a simple majority of the Board of Directors. Regular business meetings shall be open to any member. In the event that the same person holds two or more positions, that person shall have one vote for each position held in any election.

Section 4.02   Elections
Board of Directors officers serve for two years and are elected on a staggered basis, three one year and two the next. Simple majority of all members present shall elect the Board of Directors officers. Elections are to be held annually at the regularly scheduled November meeting. Members may vote by proxy.

Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be addressed at the next regularly scheduled general membership meeting. Candidates will be nominated by the general membership and elected by a simple majority of all members present.

Section 4.03   Duties
Each member of the Board of Directors shall have duties as outlined in the policies.

Section 4.04   Officer on Call
This unit shall have an officer on call available by phone 24 hours a day and is responsible for responding to requests for assistance from local and state agencies.

Section 4.05   Specialty Groups
Each group shall establish and maintain Standard Operating Guidelines specific to their specialty group.

Article V - Amendments

Any member can suggest amendments to these bylaws, but the Board of Directors shall draft them. Routine amendments shall be presented to the membership for review at the next regularly scheduled annual bylaw review. In the event that an amendment is urgent for legal reasons or conformance with council or other governing agency, the amendment will be presented at a regularly scheduled meeting for approval by the membership.

Last updated 8 April 2008