The Issue  

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Currently, Ohio lacks a unified framework to ensure that SAR (Search & Rescue) teams, particularly volunteer-based or unaffiliated groups, meet standards of training, proficiency, accountability, and interoperability. This gap places families, agencies, and responders at risk.  

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Why Does This Issue Matter?  

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Public Trust: During any crisis, families deserve search operations that are lawful, coordinated, and professionally led. It is crucial that search efforts are requested by, and conducted in coordination with, the appropriate AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). This is typically law enforcement, fire services, or emergency management agencies. These entities are legally and operationally responsible for effective scene control, resource allocation, and public safety. Any organization, team, or person that self-deploys outside this structure is a safety hazard. It also constitutes a breach of ethical standards and may interfere with ongoing tactical operations, delay critical decisions, and compromise the integrity of the official response.  

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Responder Safety: Without standardized training and ICS (Incident Command System) alignment, SAR operations can introduce unnecessary risk to both volunteers and official personnel working the scene.  

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Operational Clarity: EMAs (Emergency Management Agencies) and law enforcement need to be confident that any team they activate is trained, insured, and capable of effectively integrating into command structures.

 

Resource Efficiency: Standardization of training requirements reduces redundancy, improves documentation, and ensures that mutual aid is truly interoperable.  

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We call on the State of Ohio to:  

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1. Establish a system for SAR teams and personnel to align with ASTM, FEMA ICS/NIMS, and NASAR training standards.  

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2. Create a statewide registry of vetted, deployable SAR teams that have met these requirements and make it accessible to EMAs, law enforcement, or any other AHJ. 

 

3. We ask the state to establish formal oversight mechanisms led by the state's designated agency, or an authorized third-party accrediting body, to ensure compliance with established standards, ethical conduct, and operational readiness. These entities should be empowered to audit deployments, investigate operations, identify misconduct, and enforce corrective actions. Ongoing evaluation and transparent reporting are essential to drive continuous improvement, uphold public trust, and safeguard the integrity of all search operations involving volunteer SAR teams. 

 

4. Create Operational Standards and define Roles for clarity: We urge the State to establish enforceable standards governing all SAR operations conducted under official authority. This includes requirements for training to levels deemed proficient, documentation of such, and safety protocols.  

 

A certified K9 (canine) is valuable tool, but its mere presence does not equate to having operational authority. Independent K9 handlers must not self-deploy or operate outside the established AHJ's chain of command (aka:"freelancing"). 

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K9-only teams and independent K9 handlers must be formally recognized as a deployable resource. 

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All first responders including law enforcement, fire, and EMS, operate within structured, team-based systems. SAR must be held to the same standard to prevent operational confusion, protect scene integrity, and ensure public safety.
  

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By signing this petition, you are joining us in the call of state leaders to adopt and uphold these values. We stand together in urging the State of Ohio to protect the integrity of volunteer search and rescue by setting clear standards that serve both responders and the communities they are sworn to help. 

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CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION AND HELP US IN REACHING OUR GOAL