| MISSION | Wolverine K-9 Search and Rescue (WK9SAR) provides search dogs and trained personnel to assist local law enforcement and emergency services in locating lost and missing persons. |
| HISTORY | WK9SAR was originally formed as the K-9 unit for West Michigan Search and Rescue (WMSAR). WK9SAR became an independent organization in 2001, as a sub-section of the Volunteer Emergency Services Support Agency (VESSA). WK9SAR has been a member of the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) since 2004. |
| EMPLOYEES | All team members are volunteers. There are no employees of the group. The group has 501(c)3 non-profit status through VESSA. |
| MEMBERSHIP | WK9SAR has two types of team members: dog handlers and support personnel (navigators, base camp operators, etc.). The team currently includes handlers and dogs trained for air scent, tracking/trailing, and cadaver searches. All team members are trained in first aid, CPR, navigation, radio communications, search techniques, lost person behavior, and incident command. |
| CALL-OUTS | In order to preserve the command structure at an incident, WK9SAR team members will only respond to a search when dispatched. Since WK9SAR is an all-volunteer organization, there is no charge for services rendered. Team members are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. WK9SAR provides services throughout southwest Michigan, with team members located in or near Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and South Haven. WK9SAR does not respond to drug or felony searches. |
| RESOURCES | For larger searches that require more equipment and/or personnel, WK9SAR can coordinate its services with West Michigan Search and Rescue (WMSAR) and the Southwest Michigan Emergency Response Team (SMERT). |
| TRAINING | WK9SAR holds monthly training sessions. Additional training on the members' own time is highly recommended in order to complete training and become operational. This training takes place outdoors and in all kinds of weather. It is also physically demanding work (up and down hills, through wilderness areas, day and night.) |
| EXPENSES | All expenses for operational purposes of the unit such as uniforms, equipment, gas to and from training and searches, mileage, etc., for the handlers and dogs are paid by each individual team member. |
| EQUIPMENT | Individuals who are hikers or campers should have much of the equipment necessary for SAR work. Basic equipment includes - but is not limited to - the following: orienteering compass, head lamp, hiking boots, gloves, blaze orange hunting vest, appropriate clothing, 24-hour search pack, and first aid kit. |
| VEHICLES | Transportation to and from training exercises and searches is by personal vehicle. There are no group-owned vehicles. |
| FIREARMS | Weapons may not be carried, except by law enforcement personnel. |
| DRUGS/ALCOHOL | WK9SAR will allow no participation in training or searches while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DISRUPTIVE OR ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR (PHYSICAL, VERBAL, OR SEXUAL) WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. |