Volunteer | SAR Division | APAK

Why Volunteer With Us

Your skills can make the difference between tragedy and hope.

🚁

High Need

SAR Drone Pilot

Deploy thermal-equipped drones during search and rescue missions, floods, and natural disasters across Texas.

FAA Part 107 certification required
Thermal drone experience preferred
Ability to deploy within 4-6 hours
Pass background check

Apply as Pilot →

📡

Ground Support

Provide critical logistics, communications, and on-scene coordination during active missions.

No drone experience required
Reliable transportation
Strong communication skills
Pass background check

Apply as Ground Support →

🤝

Family Liaison

Serve as the compassionate bridge between SAR teams and families during active searches.

Background in counseling, social work, or crisis response preferred
Exceptional empathy and communication
Available during activations
Pass background check

Apply as Liaison →

Volunteer Requirements

What you need to join the SAR Division team.

🪪 FAA Part 107 (Pilots Only)

Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for all drone pilots. We can help guide you toward certification if you're not yet certified.

🔍 Background Check

All volunteers must pass a basic background check due to the sensitive nature of SAR operations and interaction with vulnerable populations.

📋 Liability Waiver

All volunteers sign a standard liability waiver and agree to operate under SAR Division protocols and incident command structures.

🎓 Training Completion

Complete SAR Division onboarding training covering mission protocols, thermal imaging basics, and agency integration procedures.

🚗 Deployment Readiness

Ability to deploy to affected areas within 4-6 hours of activation. Personal transportation and availability during crisis events required.

📱 Communication

Reliable phone and internet access for activation alerts. Willingness to use Signal or similar secure messaging for mission coordination.

Application Process

From application to first deployment—what to expect.

Submit Application

Complete the form below with your information, qualifications, and role preference.

Initial Screening (3-5 days)

We review your application and schedule a brief phone or video interview.

Background Check (3-7 days)

Standard background check completed at no cost to you.

Onboarding & Training (1-2 weeks)

Complete online orientation, sign waivers, and review mission protocols.

Added to Activation Roster

Once approved, you're added to our secure activation system and eligible for deployment.

Volunteer Application

Join the mission. All fields required unless noted.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

City, Texas *

County *

Volunteer Role *

FAA Part 107 Certification (Pilots Only)

Certification number requested during onboarding if applicable.

Thermal Drone Access (Pilots Only)

Relevant Experience *

Why do you want to volunteer with SAR Division | APAK? *

Availability

I consent to a background check as part of the volunteer screening process. *

I understand that SAR operations involve inherent risks and agree to sign a liability waiver if accepted. *

I commit to completing all required onboarding training prior to deployment. *

Questions? Contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@sardivisionapak.org

Fly With Purpose