KCEST is the parent organization responsible for managing several programs, including Search and Rescue, RACES/Auxiliary/ARES Communications, Skywarn (Severe Weather Spotters), the Medical Reserve Corps, and CERT. These programs collaborate with the Office of Emergency Management in Kent County. KCEST is a non-profit 501©(3) organization.
Application Process
#1) Read this first, if you feel you fit, scroll down to Step 1
Potential Team Member Requirements:
- Good Moral Character: Demonstrating integrity and ethical behavior both on and off duty.
- Clean Criminal History: Due to the sensitive nature of our work, all team members must have a clean criminal history. Our team members undergo extensive background checks to ensure they can access sensitive and secure locations.
- No Major Moving Violations: Within the last 10 years.
- Valid Michigan Driver’s License: And a reliable car/truck to get to meetings, training, and responses in a timely manner carrying needed equipment.
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Willingness to Participate in Training: Regular participation in scheduled trainings for the primary unit.
- Proficiency in Required Knowledge: Willingness to become proficient in the knowledge needed to respond safely.
- Good Decision-Making: Must make good choices on and off duty.
- Physical Fitness:Each unit has their own requirements. (This is only an example of requirements)
- SAR Field Team members (including K9 handlers): Must be capable of handling physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects or people, and moving swiftly over uneven terrain in potentially hazardous, stressful, and austere environments
- SAR Support: Must be able to function independently in various potentially hazardous scenes, navigate uneven terrain, and safely enter and exit the communications trailer in dark, wet, cold, or hot conditions during a variety of incidents.
- Comms Unit: Must be able to function independently in a variety of locations, including offices, Emergency Operations Centers, trailers, shelters, and hospitals. Must handle noisy, stressful, uncomfortable, and hectic environments, and be capable of stepping up steps and walking up and down stairs in various emergency situations.
- Ability/Willingness to Take Multiple Trainings Within Allotted Time: All members are required to participate in both internal and external trainings. Some of these trainings are free, while others may have a cost, to ensure proficiency in responding to various incidents.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication and the ability to work well in a team.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to quickly assess and respond to complex and evolving emergency situations.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to work in varied conditions and adapt to sudden changes in the environment or situation.
- Time Commitment: You need to have time to volunteer.
- Commitment to Service: Willingness to serve the community without recognition or reimbursement. We expect our team members to be quiet professionals, not boastful or seeking recognition.
- Enviroment: Must be able to work in high-stress and hazardous environments.
- Confidentiality: Ability to keep confidential information on incidents.
- Ego-Free: Able to leave your ego at the door.
- Judgment-Free: We do not care who we help. We just answer the call as long as the mission can be performed safely and we are authorized to respond by our served agency, KCSO.
These qualifications ensure that volunteers are prepared to handle the responsibilities and challenges of emergency response effectively and safely. If you think you have what it takes, please move on to the next steps.
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the Application Process
- Required Documents: Complete all necessary application documents here. You will need to enter your name and email address, then check your email for further instructions. Progressing forward is not possible without completing these documents. Please be thorough and honest. Missing information will result in disqualification.
Step 2: Initial Interview and Screening
- We conduct an initial interview and screening for all team members. This includes a 30-60 minute conversation about joining the team and a background check through the Michigan I-CHAT system to confirm information on your application before submitting it to KCSO for a more extensive background check.
Step 3: Approval by Office of OEM
- The County conducts an extensive background check on all potential volunteers to work in secure areas of the Sheriff’s office. We receive a pass/fail result and do not have access to the specifics of your background check. The County may contact the volunteer directly to ask questions or discuss details, but more than likely, you will only be given a yes or no answer. Due to our relationship with the County and the level of access required, volunteers must pass this background check to become a member. This background check is very thorough and includes a reference check and fingerprinting. Potential members who pass this step will move forward to being offered a volunteer position.
- Please note: If you omit something from your application and it is found during this background check, it will result in an instant failure.
Step 4: Assignment as a Probationary Member
- Once all background checks and interviews are completed and you pass, you will be assigned as a probationary member of the team while we get to know you and allow you to complete initial training.
Step 5: Complete Initial Training
- After completing your initial training, you will be assigned to your unit. You will report to a team leader on your progress and be evaluated during your probationary period.
- You have 90 days to complete all initial training during your 6-month probationary period.
Step 6: Full Membership
- Upon completing your 6-month probationary period, KCEST Leadership will review your application. If approved, you will be added to the team as a full member.
SAR Applicants: Approved SAR applicants will be assigned to a ground team or may apply to a specialty unit after completing all required Ground Team unit training requirements. To apply for the K9 Unit or request reassignment to a specialty unit, you must complete all basic ground training requirements.
- See SAR Team FAQ
Communications Unit Applicants: Approved Communications Unit applicants must complete all basic training requirements before requesting assignment to specialty communications units or facilities.
- See Communications Unit FAQ
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with KCEST!