Search and Rescue ByLaws

THESE BYLAWS WERE AMENDED AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF DECEMBER 2002.

ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be: SALT LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM, (the "Team").
Section 2. The purpose of this organization shall be:

A. To serve the residents of Salt Lake County, Utah.

B. To assist the Sheriff's Department of that county in the performance of its duties.

C. To provide the membership with training in search and rescue duties, first aid, and law enforcement.

Section 3. The office and principal place of business of this organization shall be at the office of the Salt Lake County Sheriff.

ARTICLE II.MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to all persons, regardless of sex, race, creed, color, or religious preference.

Section 1. Full Membership

A. Membership of the organization shall consist of a total of forty (40) members (excluding Sheriff's liaison officer(s), honorary members, and senior squad members).

B. Full members may hold an elected office with the stipulation that the elected Commander and Vice Commander must have been active in the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Search & Rescue organization a minimum of two (2) years.

C. No member shall exercise any duties of a deputy sheriff without direct orders from the Sheriff or a representative.

Section 2. Requirements for new membership application shall be as follows:

A. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America.

B. Applicant must be a resident of Salt Lake County, Utah.

C. Applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

D. Applicant must have no prior criminal convictions or record of habitual traffic violations.

E. All new applicants shall pass a physical fitness test administered by the team.

F. All new members, after being accepted, must complete the minimum training requirements as required by the Sheriff.

G. All members will meet all state laws and county ordinances as directed by the Sheriff's Office.

H. Former members may re-apply for membership by making application to the Board. The Board will draft a recommendation for membership, which will be voted upon by the general membership at the next regular meeting.

I. Applicant must have a certified advanced first aid card from the American Red Cross or equivalent as approved by the Board.

Section 3. Board Action

A. The Board will decide if the Search & Rescue Team needs new members, and if so, how many.

B. The Commander will select two Board Members to assist as a "Screening Committee" for prospective new members.

C. Selection of the two Board members for the Screening Committee will rotate.

D. The Liaison Officer must be a member of the Screening Committee.

E. Prior to final acceptance by the Board, the applicant shall have successfully completed a Sheriff's Office background check

F. The Board will accept the pre-screened applicant by a 75% majority vote. Upon acceptance, the applicant will be recommended to the Sheriff for acceptance into the Team.

G. If the application is approved by the Sheriff, the applicant will be made a probationary member for nine months.

H. The Board shall review the probationary member at the end of the nine month probationary period. The Board may terminate the probationary member at any time during this period for failing to maintain percentages or for bringing discredit to the Team. This termination will be on a majority vote of 75% of the Board members present.

Section 4. Nine month probation for new members

A. The applicant shall serve a nine month probation period. The applicant will be allowed to attend all functions, but participation will be limited until a medical examination (provided by the Sheriff's Office) and a physical fitness test are completed.

B. During the nine-month probation, the individual shall be under the direction of the Second Squad Leader.

C. The probationary member must attend 66% of all callouts and meetings during the nine-month probation period.

D. The probationary member must endeavor to learn or sharpen a skill in diving, climbing, skiing, etc., or improve or practice an existing one during the probationary period.

E. Upon completion of each person's nine-month probation, the Board will make recommendation to the general membership for consideration in their final vote.

Section 5. Membership action on new applicants

A. After a probationary member has completed the nine-month probation, they will come before the full membership for a vote.

B. The Board will furnish all available information about the probationary member including:

1. The Board's recommendation.
2. Recommendation of the Standards and Training Committee.
3. Percentage of attendance furnished by Historian.
4. Any other pertinent information.

C. To gain admittance, a probationary member shall receive a minimum of 75% affirmative votes of the members present at the regular meeting with a minimum of 50% of the Team members present and voting.

D. A no vote will be accepted from any eligible voting member for one of the following reasons:

1. Applicant is not physically fit.
2. Applicant failed to maintain the 66% attendance required during the nine-month probation period.
3. Applicant failed to learn a skill or practice an existing one.
4. It is felt the applicant would be a discredit to the Team.
5. Applicant should not be allowed membership because:
(Statement of cause).

E. Anyone voting "no" on an applicant must list the reason on the ballot.
F. The vote by the membership shall be by secret ballot.
G. When evaluating a probationary member, authorized or approved makeups may be considered when the probationary member has failed to meet the 66% attendance requirement.

Section 6. Honorary membership

A. The members of the Sheriff's Search & Rescue Team can offer to a qualified individual an honorary membership.

B. Nominee must have the approval of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting.

C. Honorary members do not have voting privileges.

D. Honorary members may be issued surplus equipment until needed by the general membership.

Section 7. Member in good standing

A. A member in good standing shall be defined as:

1. Member with a minimum of 50% attendance at all meetings, training, and callouts.
2. Member must be currently certified in emergency medical care by a nationally recognized organization that includes at least 50 hours of classroom training (e.g., First Responder) and is approved by the Board. Failure to maintain a current and valid certification status will subject member to review by the Board for possible disciplinary action.

ARTICLE III. TERMINATION, WITHDRAWAL, OR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Section 1. Termination of membership shall be by or for the following reasons:
A. By the Sheriff of Salt Lake County for any reason deemed necessary.
B. By the Board of Directors for any of the following reasons:

1. When 50% of the regular meetings, callouts and trainings aremissed during the Teams calendar year.

2. By action which will embarrass or discredit the Team.

3. When a member engages in activity or employment, which is in violation of the Policy and Procedure Manual of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.

C. A member's attendance shall not be required when such attendance would jeopardize the member's means of livelihood, but any member whose livelihood is jeopardized by a reasonable attendance should tender their resignation.

D. Voting for termination of membership shall be by secret ballot.

Section 2. Withdrawal from the Organization

A. Any member may withdraw from this unit by submitting to the Secretary a written resignation.

B. The member must also return any badges, shoulder patches, identification cards, and all other Team property when presenting their resignation.

Section 3. Leave of absence

A. A Leave of Absence may be requested for periods of greater than seven days. A written request must be submitted to the Board prior to the requested L.O.A. The Board has the power to grant a leave of absence for a period not to exceed the Boards term of office.
B. If the member is to be on a leave greater than 90 days, all Patrol equipment shall be returned to the Patrol.
C. Any elected Board member who requires a leave greater than two (2) months shall tender his/her resignation from the Board. An election for replacement shall take place at the closest monthly meeting following the resignation.

ARTICLE IV. GOVERNING BODY

Section 1. The government of this organization shall be vested in the officers.
Section 2. The elected officers of this organization shall consist of:

One Commander, one Vice Commander, one Quartermaster, one Secretary - Treasurer, one Medical Officer, one Historian, and Three Squad Leaders.

Section 3. Only members in good standing may run for an elected office. Members not present may be elected if prior consent is given.
Section 4. All officers may be re-elected and may succeed themselves.
Section 5. The chain of command shall be as follows:

A. Commander, in his/her absence:
B. Vice Commander, in his/her absence:
C. 1st Squad Leader, in his/her absence:
D. 2nd Squad Leader, in his/her absence:
E. 3rd Squad Leader, in his/her absence:
F. Secretary / Treasurer, in his/her absence:
G. Quartermaster, in his/her absence:
H. Medical Officer, in his/her absence:
I. Historian

Members may be assigned to any tasks on a rescue or any roles in the ICS system regardless of their positions in the chain of command.
Section 6.

A. No elected officer would be eligible for re-election if their attendance was less than required during their previous administration.
B. Assistants must be members in good standing.

Section 7. New officers will assume office on January 1st.

ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Duties of the Commander

A. Those which are usually imposed upon such officials and as required by law.
B. Shall preside at all meetings.
C. Shall present a report of the affairs of the organization to the members at the annual meeting.

Section 2. Duties of the Vice Commander

A. Assist the Commander in all matters.

B. Shall replace the Commander in duties in the Commander's absence.
C. Chairman of the Standards and Training Committee.
D. Recommends to the Board specialty coordinators to serve on Standards and Training Committee.
E. All other duties prescribed by the Commander.

Section 3. Duties of the Secretary - Treasurer

A. Keep a complete and accurate account of all proceedings in meetings of this organization.

B. Shall disburse all money only as directed by the Board.

C. Shall submit to the members at the annual meeting a financial statement for the preceding year.

D. Perform all other duties as prescribed by the Board.

E. Shall be bonded in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The fee for such a bond will be paid by the Team.

F. Shall be responsible for any and all Federal, State and Local tax and/orcharitable filings.

Section 4. Duties of the Historian

A. Maintain the historical record of the Team activities.
B. Report Team activities and distribute appropriate news material or articles to interested organizations (i.e., M.R.A., N.A.S.A.R.), and the news media.
C. Assist the Secretary - Treasurer
D. Shall submit in writing, semi-annually to theBoard and Team members, an accounting of the attendance for each member.

Section 5. Duties of the Quartermaster

A. Maintain records of all Team property

B. Issue and control all Team property as approved by the Board.
C. Secure signed receipts on all property issued.
D. Shall be bonded in the amount of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). The fee for such a bond will be paid by the Team.
E. Submit quarterly, in writing, a report on equipment and transactions to the Board.

Section 6. Duties of the Medical Officer (Minimum requirement - E.M.T.)

A. Works directly with the Sheriff’s Office’s Medical Liaison Officer.
B. Organizes and provides medical training to membership.
C. Oversees medical records & assures current certification of members.
D. Provides information on upgrade training
E. Provides information on upcoming medical seminars
F. Oversees medical supplies and equipment
G. Serves as member of the Standards and Training Committee.

Section 7. Duties of the Squad Leaders and Assistant Squad Leaders.

Duties such as Chairman of Preventative Search and Rescue, new member training (support climber class), and support climber 2 class shall be assigned to the squad leaders by the Commander.

A. Duties of the 1st Squad Leader:

1. Shall serve as contact person for Squad 1.
2. All other duties prescribed by the Commander.

B. Duties of the 2nd Squad Leader:

1. Shall serve as contact person for Squad 2.
2. All other duties prescribed by the Commander.

C. Duties of the 3rd Squad Leader:

1. Shall serve as contact person for Squad 3.
2. All other duties prescribed by the Commander.

ARTICLE VI. THE BOARD AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1. The Board shall consist of the Liaison Officer from the Sheriff's Office, Commander, Vice Commander, Secretary-Treasurer, Quartermaster, Medical Officer, and three Squad Leaders. In the absence of the elected Officer or Squad Leader they will be represented by their respective assistant.
Section 2. Each member of the Board shall have one vote.
Section 3. Questions voted upon by the Board shall be determined by a majority vote of the Board members present provided a minimum of five members are present.
Section 4. The Board shall have a Board meeting once each month.

A. The Commander may call additional meetings at his/her discretion.

Section 5. The Board shall create and prescribe duties of the committees and appoint members thereof.
Section 6. The Board shall have the power to fill all vacancies on the Board until the next election.
Section 7. During the months of January and July, the Board shall review all members as to their attendance during their regular meeting. The Board shall take appropriate action.
Section 8. The Board shall have the power to impose disciplinary action or expel any member guilty of an offense, which affects the best interest of this organization, subject to Article VI, Section 3.
Section 9. The Board shall remove from office any member of the Board who does not perform their duties as outlined in these By Laws. The Board shall consider this matter only at the monthly Board meetings. All removals must have the approval of five members of the Board.
Section 10. The Board shall have the power to appropriate and spend money in the amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) without the approval of the members. A majority of the Board members must approve each expenditure.
Section 11. All Board members shall maintain fifty percent (50%) attendance at all meetings and callouts. The membership shall review the Board members' attendance during the month of July.
Section 12. The Board shall interview all new Team applicants at the monthly Board meeting as to the applicant's qualifications and desire. The Board will then make their recommendations to the members. The applicants shall not be present during the Board's recommendations.

ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular meetings shall be held monthly as specified by the board.
Section 2. The annual election meeting shall be held on the third Monday in December of each year, at which time nominations and election of officers shall take place.
Section 3. Special meetings of the membership and/or the officers may be called at the discretion of the Commander or any three members of the board, provided all concerned have twenty-four (24) hours notice of the meeting.
Section 4. A change in the date of a regular meeting or an annual meeting may be made by the officers, provided the members are given at least two weeks notice prior to the first date.
Section 5. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the membership present at any regular or duly called special meeting, provided at least fifteen (15) members are present.
Section 6. Robert's Rule of Order shall govern in all meetings.

ARTICLE VIII. BYLAWS

Section 1. The bylaws of this Team may be amended, altered, repealed, changed, or corrected, in whole, or in part, by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) majority of the members present at the annual meeting.
Section 2. The Salt Lake County Sheriff must approve all changes to these bylaws.
Section 3. Each Team member should be given a written copy of any proposed change at least fourteen (14) days prior to the annual meeting.

A. A proposed bylaw change that is submitted in a timely matter, may be amended, altered, changed or corrected by a majority vote of members present at the annual meeting, resubmitted in its adjusted form and be presented for vote to the membership.

Section 4. Any changes of the bylaws shall become effective immediately after adoption by the membership.
Section 5. Any changes shall replace and supersede any Article of Bylaw or any instrument theretofore adopted.
Section 6. Nothing contained within these bylaws will supersede any Policy, Order, or Directive of the Sheriff.

ARTICLE IX. COMMITTEES

Section 1. The following committees shall be appointed by the Commander for one year terms to run concurrent with the term of office of the officers.

A. Auditing Committee: Shall consist of two members, who shall audit the accounts as necessary. This audit shall be performed at least once during the fiscal year. The Committee shall report its findings to the membership at the annual meeting.
B. Bylaws Committee: Shall consist of two members in good standing who shall review the bylaws each year and submit any proposed changes prior to the annual meeting.

Section 2. The Standards and Training Committee shall consist of the Vice-Commander as Chairman and no less than two additional members as appointed by the Vice-Commander. Their terms shall run concurrent with the elected officers for a period of one year.
Section 3. The duties of the Standards and Training Committee shall be:

A. To establish standard operating procedures and to provide all members with a copy of the same fourteen days prior to effective date, and to post the same fourteen days prior to effective date.
B. Provide training and guidance to all team members.
C. Any other duties prescribed by the Board.

ARTICLE X. VOTING

Section 1. Each member of this organization is entitled to one vote on all matters referred to the membership except in Article II, Section 6.
Section 2. Absentee and proxy votes must be in writing and signed by the member issuing the vote. A proxy is a vote made by one member on behalf of another.
Section 3. Absentee and proxy votes must be in the hands of the Commander prior to the time the issue is voted upon.
Section 4. Unless otherwise specified by these bylaws, business matters voted upon by the members shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present, in person or by representation as in Article X, Section 3.
Section 5. Only members in good standing may vote on any matter requiring said vote.

ARTICLE XI. VEHICLES

Section 1. All Team vehicles will be accepted subject to approval by the Board and the Sheriff on appearance and condition.

ARTICLE XII. SENIOR TEAM

Section 1. Any member, in good standing, upon written application, subject to approval of a majority of the membership present at any regular meeting, may become a member of the Senior Team upon meeting one of the following requirements:

A. Have ten years service to the Team, or
B. Be 55 years of age, or
C. Have a physical disability, or
D. Any past Commander, or
E. On approval of the Team, time spent in another officially recognized County Sheriff's Search & Rescue organization may be applied towards requirements for the Senior Team.

Section 2. Requirements of the Senior Team will be as follows:

A. The member may retain Team equipment, if such equipment is not needed by a full member, but must return all equipment upon retirement from the Team. This includes radio, pager, badges, etc.
B. Senior Team members must attend 50% of the Team meetings in order to retain voting privileges.

Section 3. A Senior Team member will not be required to attend meetings, callouts, or other functions. However, Senior Team members are to be notified of each function when possible.

Section 4. Upon the members full retirement from the Team, the member will be awarded their badge mounted on a plaque, provided that requirements have been met in Article XII, Section 1.

ARTICLE XIII. DISSOLUTION OF TEAM

Section 1. Upon dissolution of this Team, its assets shall be distributed to any charitable organization in the United States which qualifies for acception under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and according to a plan of distribution to be approved by the membership.

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