Make Friends, Learn Skills, Serve Your Community.

Join the Squad!

The Transylvania County Rescue Squad is seeking hard working, community minded individuals interested in joining a professional organization dedicated to servingTransylvania County.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2025 member cohort. Applications will remain open until August 21st.

All new members will participate in a 13 week academy where you will gain hands-on experience and professional training in:

  • Emergency Medicine

  • Rope Rescue

  • Incident Management

  • Wilderness Search

  • Vehicle Extrication

  • and more!

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Join the family

Volunteering with the Transylvania County Rescue Squad is more than responding to calls—it’s about becoming part of a family. You’ll develop strong bonds with fellow volunteers through:

  • Shared Experiences: From intense rescues & overnight trainings to communal meals and post-search ice cream, you’ll forge friendships built on trust, teamwork, and mutual respect.

  • Team Support: Our members support each other in the field and off duty, creating a network of friends who have your back.

  • Camaraderie: Beyond calls and training, we share meals, celebrate milestones, and enjoy downtime together. From birthdays and graduations to promotions and new ventures, squad members share life together.

The Process

  • Applications are open until August 21st.

    Visit us in-person at our open houses Thursday July 31st from 1800-2000 and August 16th 1300-1500 at 233 Fisher Ave Brevard, NC. The open house is optional and a chance to tour our station, ask questions, and hear from current members.

  • In-person selection & interviews will occur on August 23rd. If you’re not available on the 23rd leave a note in your application or reach out to academy@transylvaniacountyrescue.com

  • Begin your squad career with a 13 week academy designed to teach you (and your cohort) the basic skills to participate in squad operations.

    The academy will meet weekly (often on Friday evenings or the occasional Saturday day) with 5 mandatory trainings and the expectation to attend 3 of the 5 elective classes. A full schedule will be provided to applicants upon receipt of their application.

  • Complete the Academy in December and become an active squad member responding to emergencies. You’ll continue your training at your own pace with advanced classes and certifications in specialties like rope rescue, emergency medicine, swiftwater operations, and incident management.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are currently accepting applications! Apply Here!

    Prospective members are invited to attend one of our open houses on July 31st and August 6th to meet the membership, tour our station, and learn more about what we do. All members are required to pass a background check and drug screening.

    Once selected, new members participate in a training pipeline to prepare them to be operational. Following the completion of their initial training new members begin a 6-month probationary period where they’ll train, shadow, and participate in squad activities to learn essential skills.

  • We understand that everyone has different schedules, and we’re flexible to help you balance volunteering with other responsibilities. Here’s what to expect once you’ve finished our initial training academy:

    • A minimum of 36 hours of training per year to maintain your active membership status. This includes specialized training like rope rescue, wilderness survival, waterfall rescues, drills, and workshops.

    • Regular participation in meetings and rescue calls, with flexibility to volunteer based on your availability and personal schedule.

    Your level of involvement beyond the minimum requirements is up to you—whether you respond to calls every week or a few times a month, every contribution makes a difference.

  • No, but you should be close enough to respond to calls. While being local can make it easier to respond quickly, we have members from different parts of North Carolina who actively volunteer with us.

    For those who live farther away, we offer volunteer rooms where members can stay overnight during shifts, training sessions, or busy call periods. This makes it easier to stay involved, no matter where you’re coming from.

  • None starting out! We welcome all levels of experience.

    During your probationary period, you’ll need to obtain the following certifications:

    • ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800

    • BLS CPR

    These courses provide the essential skills needed for emergency response. We’ll help guide you through obtaining them during your probationary period.

    In addition, there are optional certifications you can pursue to enhance your skills and qualifications:

    • North Carolina Technical Rescuer

    • EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician - Basic)

    • And more!

    These certifications provide advanced training in specialized areas like technical rescue and emergency medical care and can open up further opportunities for you at the squad.

  • We welcome members 18 and over. Whether you're just starting out or looking to give back later in life, there's a place for you on our team.

    There are no upper age limits for membership—volunteers of all ages contribute their knowledge and energy to the squad.

Still have Questions?