How to Join
Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group has 75+ members who come from a wide range of backgrounds and there are many ways to contribute to our mission of helping find and rescue lost and missing people. From ground searchers to canine handlers to drone pilots, as well as administrative, medical, communications, and base management roles to support our field operations. We utilize our volunteer’s skills and experinces in many ways.
AMRG provides all of the training needed to help our member become experinced and capable SAR technicians, including land navigation, wilderness survival, wilderness first-aid, and rope rescue. We also provide funding and support to attended outside training, praticularly seminars for our search dog handlers. AMRG is a licnsed PA Dept. of Health QRS (Quick Response Service Ambulance), a PA VRSR (Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition) cerified swiftwater rescue team, and is a key component of the Allegheny County Child Abduction Response team. AMRG’s training and certification helps members meet stringent Mountain Rescue Association and National Association for Search and Rescue standards.
No prior search and rescue experience is needed to get involved with AMRG. Anyone who is interested and willing to help is welcome to check out our requirements and apply for membership. AMRG provides all of the core search and rescue training and helps guide you through other outside certifications that may be needed.
AMRG accepts new members in cohorts once or twice a year. Our 2026 New Member window is now open! We are accepting applications through April 15, with the new member training program starting in May. We are accepting applications for people brand new to SAR, experienced SAR Dog handlers, and people interested in joining our Wildland Fire Crew. Whatever your interest, submit your application now.
If you have any problems with the application form, you can use the Contact Us for instead.
Join the Team!
Learn what it takes to join the premier search team in Western Pennsylvania and the only team in the state accredited by the Mountain Rescue Association.
Learn About Canine SAR
Interested in training and handling a search dog? Find out how about the challenge and commitment of canine SAR.
