Search and Rescue of Central Florida By-Laws

Mission Statement:

The Search and Rescue of Central Florida providing high quality, reliable search and rescue assistance during emergencies utilizing the most appropriate resources available and to provide applicable training and education to the public.

ARTICLE I

This organization shall be known as "Search and Rescue of Central Florida" and is not for profit corporation under IRS 501(c)(3).

ARTICLE II

Purposes and Objectives

A. Provide training, education and assistance without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs or gender.
B. Establish education programs aimed at improving the standards of performance of search and rescue.
C. Promote, develop and coordinate educational programs to better equip the general public to cope, both mentally and physically, with the natural environment and with problems from natural and man-made disasters and emergency situations.
D. Conduct meetings and symposia in order to provide a public forum for promoting search and rescue capabilities in Central Florida and the surrounding area.
E. Represent public opinion on search and rescue issues through liaison with national, state and local search and rescue agencies and members of Congress.
F. Maintain liaison with search and rescue equipment manufacturers in order to promote the development and refinement of search and rescue equipment.
G. Promote the formation of local search and rescue organizations by providing support in the form of guidance and materials on organizing and developing such units, educational materials and consulting services.
H. Promote the knowledge of search and rescue issues and programs by the contribution of Association members to search and rescue newsletters, journals and other publications.
I. Upon request of national, state or local agencies or members of Congress, provide consultation and testimony on search and rescue related subjects.

ARTICLE III

Definitions

A. The Board of Directors shall hereinafter be referred to as "Board".
B. The Search and Rescue of Central Florida shall hereinafter be referred to as "Association".
C. Search and Rescue shall hereinafter be referred to as "SAR".
D. The Director of the Board shall hereinafter be referred to as "Director".
E. The National Association for Search and Rescue shall hereinafter be referred to as "NASAR".
F. The Central Florida Emergency Institute is a special board of the City of Orlando shall hereinafter be referred as to CFESI.

ARTICLE IV

Membership

Section 1: General Membership shall be open to present or former life safety personnel, present or former military personnel and persons that meet the standards of membership established by the Board.

Section 2: Membership Requirements

A. In order to become a member of Florida a person must:

: 1. Be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
2. Have submitted the required membership application.
3. Have submitted the required waiver of liability.
4. Have passed the required background check.
5. Be a present or former life safety employee, former or present employee of the military, or a person meeting the requirements set forth by the Board.
6. Be approved by the Board of Directors.
7. Have an interest in Search and rescue.
8. Pay annual membership dues.

B. Shall complete a probation period of not less than 6 months and obtain approval of the Board of Directors.
C. A member may not have on record any conviction more serious than a second-degree misdemeanor.
D. A member may not have on record any conviction of perjury, falsification of reports and records or the giving of false statements.
E. A renewal of membership may be denied by a majority vote of the Board, for the good of order.
F. Upon termination, resignation or failure to have membership renewed, the former members lose all right and privilege to represent "Search and Rescue of Central", to wear the Team uniforms and utilize any Team insignia or identification, including "Search and Rescue of Central Florida" pictured identification cards. Within twenty-four hours of voluntary or involuntary termination, all Team owned items must be turned in to the Director or designee.
G. The Association shall not discriminate in any manner on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, or national ethnic origin.

Section 3: Membership Designations

A. Probationary Member - entry level position for person who is working towards fulfilling the requirements for Support Operational membership.
B. Support Operational Member - certified to work on search missions in a support or base of operations role. Support Operational Members must meet all of the requirements for probationary membership plus:

: 1. Be certified by NASAR as a SAR Tech 3.
2. Be currently certified as a First Responder to Medical Emergencies or higher.
3. Attend at least 50% of all team-training sessions.

C. Field Operational Member - certified to work on search missions as Search and Rescue Technicians, Canine Handlers, Communications Operators, Medical Personnel, or Search Team Leaders. Field Operational Membership requirements include those listed for probationary and Support Operational membership plus:

: 1. Be certified by NASAR as a SAR Tech II.
2. Have all the required equipment as listed for SAR Tech II by NASAR.
3. Attend at least 50% of all training sessions.
4. Possess a Technician Class amateur radio license or higher.

D. Affiliate Member - An Affiliate Member is one who meets all of the training requirements for Support or Field Operational membership but for work or other reason acceptable by the Board, cannot meet the 50% attendance requirement at all training sessions.
E. Honorary Member - person(s) or organization(s) that, in the Board of Director's opinion, is considered to be exemplary and/or has done an outstanding service to "Search and Rescue of Central Florida". An Honorary member shall have no voting rights.
F. Friend of the Association - any individual, organization or agency interested in the promotion of a financial support of the Association's objectives but who are not eligible or do not wish to join in another category.
G. Corporate Members - a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation interested in the promotion of and financial support of the objectives of the Association.

ARTICLE V

Section 1: Board Members and Term of Office

A. The governing body shall consist of a director, a deputy director, and up to 5 assistant directors.
B. The assistant directors shall be the Associations Division Leaders when the association has and maintains five or more declared members.
C. The Association Divisions shall as follows:

: K-9 Division; Equestrian Division; Dive/Rescue Division; Bicycle Division; Technology Division

D. The Director and Deputy Directors shall serve two (2) year terms with the Directors term beginning in odd years and the Deputy Director term beginning in even years. For the purpose of initial organization the first Director's term shall begin in January 1999. The Deputy Director's inaugural term shall also begin January 1999, but shall be for a period of 3 years in order to create the staggering of terms. Elections for Director and Deputy Director shall be carried out as specified in Article X of these by-laws.
E. The Assistant Directors shall serve terms of not less than one (1) year. Assistant Directors must meet the requirements for division leader.
F. A Secretary and Treasury shall be elected by the board membership with the secretary's term beginning in odd years and the treasurer's term in even years. For purposes of initial organization, the treasurer will serve three (3) years in the inaugural term.
G. A member of the Board may be removed, with cause by a majority vote of remaining board members.

ARTICLE VI

Committees

Section 1: General

A. A committee shall consist of a minimum of three persons, one of whom shall be the chairperson.
B. All chairpersons shall be appointed and can be removed by the Board.
C. Committee chairpersons may choose the members of their committee from the membership.
D. All committee chairpersons shall submit a report of their committee activities at called meetings. Anytime the Director calls a committee into special session; a report will be required at the next Board meeting.
E. The Board as required may establish special committees.
F. The Board form standing committees as needed.

Section 2: Standing Association Committees

A. The Public Relations Committees - The Association's Public Affairs Officer shall serve as Chairperson of this Committee. This Committee's responsibilities shall include but not be limited to the following:

: 1. Be responsible for all advertisement of the Association.
2. Be responsible for all publication and distribution of all pamphlets, flyers, periodicals, etc., and the local and state level.
3. Act as Public information officer.

B. Resources Committee - This committee's responsibilities shall include but not be limited to the following:

: 1. Conduct all fundraising activities.
2. Apply for grants or other financial contributions.
3. The Association Treasurer will serve as the resources Committee Chair.

ARTICLE VII

Indemnification of Board Members, Council Members, Officers & Agents

Section 1: Definitions

A. Within this article, references to board members, officers and agents shall include past, present and future board members, council members, officers and agents whether or not so serving at the time of incurring the expenses or liabilities referred to herein.

: 1. Board Members shall include any individual to serve on the governing body of the Association and the Board, as a body.
2. Officers shall include any individual to serve as an officer of the Association and any individual appointed or employed by the Association to serve in positions which, under the By-laws carry officer status.
3. Agents shall include any person authorized by the Association to enter into agreements for and on behalf of the Association in the name of the Association. It shall also include any person authorized by the Association to express the official position of the Association or to render qualified advice and counsel on behalf of the Association.

B. Action, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall include any civil, criminal or administrative action, suit, proceeding or claim, threatened or pending, in which a Board member, Council member, officer or agent may be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of failing to serve as such Board Member, officer or agent, or by reason of anything done or omitted by such person as a Board Member, officer or agent to have been done so or omitted.
C. Determination by Independent Legal Counsel means a determination in the form of a written opinion addressed to the Board of Directors, by legal counsel, appointed pursuant to the By-laws of the Association, that indemnification of a Board Members, officer or agent is proper in the circumstances because they have met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in this article.

Section 2: Indemnification

A. Except to the extent prohibited by the applicable law, the Association shall indemnify each Board Member, officer or agent of the Association or such person serving in the name of the Association as a Director or officer or another corporation, community organization, governmental commission, or governmental agency against any and all loss, cost, liability and expense which may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such person, including reasonable settlement payments, in connection with any action, if a disinterested majority of the Board of Directors not parties to the action, determines in good faith that such person was acting in good faith.

: 1. Within what one reasonably believed to the scope of one's authority and
2. For the purpose which on reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Association.

B. In any matter in which a person seeking indemnification from the association has been adjudged liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of their duty, such indemnification shall be made only if and to the extent the court in which such action was brought, upon application, shall deem proper.
C. If a majority of the Board is not disinterested and independent of the action, then independent legal counsel shall make the determinations necessary for indemnification.

Section 3: Appointment of Independent Legal Counsel

A. The Director in consultation with the Board shall appoint such counsel in the event independent legal counsel is needed under this Article.
B. In the event the Director is party to the action, appointment shall be by a majority vote of those Directors not parties to the action, whether or not a quorum.

Section 4: Discretionary Insurance

A. The Association may, by a majority vote of its Board, purchase commercial insurance for the benefit of a Board Member, officer or agent against all or any part of the expense, liability or settlement payment arising from actions against such person.
B. That insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit of all Board Members, officers or agents.

Section 5: Liability for Determinations

The Association and its Board Members, officers and agents shall not be liable to anyone for making or refusing to make any payment under Section 2 of this Article in reliance on the written opinion of independent legal counsel.

Section 6: Other Rights:

The foregoing indemnification provisions shall be in addition and may be claimed without prejudice to any other rights, which any Board Member, officer or agent may have.

Section 7: Advance Payment of Expenses

Expenses incurred by a Board Members, officer or agent in defending an action may be paid by the Association in advance of a final disposition of the action if such person gives a written undertaking to repay the amount advanced if indemnification is withheld by the Association.

ARTICLE VIII

Procedures

Section 1: Parliamentary Procedure

The current edition of Roberts Rules of Order shall govern all parliamentary procedures.

Section 2: Incident Command

A. "Search and Rescue of Central Florida" will function under the NIIMS Incident Command system during all field and training operations.
B. Selection of personnel to be utilized on a callout is at the sole discretion of the Incident Commander.
C. The Incident Commander (IC) has the authority to suspend, on the spot, any Team member at an operation until such time as the Board of Directors can meet to review the situation.

ARTICLE IX

Elections

A. Elections shall take place in September of each year. New officers shall assume office in October.
B. The Director and Deputy director shall be elected by majority of the general membership.
C. The Division Directors shall be elected by majority vote of the Division membership.
D. The Charter Officers shall be elected at the February 1999 meeting of the general membership.

ARTICLE X

Meetings

Section 1: Meetings

Meetings of the general membership shall be held regularly at a day and place and a time determined by the Board.

Section 2. Board Meetings:

A. Board meetings shall be held at such times and places as the Director may order.
B. A quorum shall consist of more than one-half (1/2) of the total Board members (51%).
C. In order to assure presence of a quorum at all duly called meetings of the Board; the Director shall provide notice of time, and place to all Board members in a timely manner prior to the date of any proposed meeting.
D. The Director must give written notice of time, place and proposed agenda to all Board members at least fourteen (14) days in advance of any meeting where an amendment is to be voted on.
E. In the event of an emergency as determined by the Director, a conference call Board meeting might suffice as long as a quorum is addressed and a report of the meeting is given at the next meeting of the Board.
F. Board members may tender a proxy vote to another Board member if they are unable to attend a meeting.
G. Whenever requested, the Secretary shall make available to the general membership a record of voting and attendance of all Board members for duly called meetings of the Board. This record shall be provided in a timely manner.

Section 3: General Meetings

General meetings shall be held at such times and places as the Directory may prescribe.

ARTICLE XI

Finances

The Fiscal Year of the Association shall be from October 1 to September 30.

Section 1: Funds

A. As a not-for-profit corporation, the Association is authorized to raise operating funds by:

: 1. Obtaining grants from foundations, private organizations, individuals or governmental agencies.
2. Conducting meetings, conferences and symposia.
3. Subscription for publications.
4. Conducting educational courses.
5. The sale of promotional items.
6. The sale of permission to use the logo of the Association on approved items.
7. The sale of SAR equipment, program, plans, educational materials, etc.
8. The sale of books, manuals, technical publications, etc.
9. To charge a registration fee for educational courses, conferences and symposium.
10. Assess dues of member.

B. The Director of the Association, the Publicity Committee or any member designated by them may make application to philanthropic organizations, corporations, agencies and groups of persons for grants or contributions of funds or property for carrying out general or specific purposes of the Association.
C. Any member who receives a grant or contribution for this Association shall immediately notify the Director of Publicity Committee Chairperson. The Association except as approved by the Board, shall accept finally no grant or contribution that has contractual conditions. The terms of any such grant or contribution shall be set forth in writing and signed both on behalf of the Association and the donor.
D. The administration of funds shall be as follows:

: 1. Any grant or contribution to the Association shall be credited to its general fund unless, under the terms thereof, a special fund is prescribed. The budgeting, receipt, custody and disbursement of any such grant or contribution shall follow the procedure defined for general funds of the Association unless provided otherwise in the terms of the grant or contribution and agreed to by the Board.
2. Any member may request monies for the purchase of equipment and service for the Association by submitting a purchase request to the Board. The purchase request shall contain an estimate of the total amount needed as well as the reason for the purchase. Also included with the request should be prices from at least three vendors and an evaluation of these vendors. A quorum of the Board shall vote on the purse request and award none, part or the entire estimate as deemed necessary or available. If all is awarded and the final price is over ten percent (10%) of the total estimate, the overage is the responsibility of the member.
3. Purchases may be submitted retroactively by the members by including a copy of the receipt with the purchase request; however, if the Board rejects the purchase request, then the member assumes full responsibility for the debt.

Section 2: Budget

A. There shall be a budget for each fiscal year to include all Association expected revenue from all sources and all expected expenditures.

: 1. The budget shall be developed in the form, line accounts, program accounts and submitted for board approval by October of every year.
2. The budget shall show all reasonably expected revenue and expenditures. The revenue to include such confirmed fund balance from the previous Fiscal Year to be included as revenue source.

B. Receipt of Revenue

1. Cash donations or fees:

: a. All cash received by the association shall be recorded by the treasurer.; b. Receipts shall be issued for all cash received in accordance with all applicable IRS regulations by the treasurer.; c. Records shall be kept by the treasurer to include copies of receipts issued.

2. Donations of assets and in kind services:

: a. All property real or otherwise, all in kind services shall be recorded by the treasurer at fair market value.; b. Receipts for all donated property, or services shall be provided to the donor by the association treasurer in accordance with all applicable IRS regulations.; c. Copies of all such receipts shall be maintained as part of the treasurer's permanent record.; d. Property shall be tagged with property control numbers.

ARTICLE XII

Business Office

A. The Association shall maintain a business office to handle the day to day business of the Association.
B. The business office shall be located at the place best suited for the interests of the Association as determined by the Director.
C. The business office shall function under the authority of the Director.
D. Association files and member's files shall be kept in the business office.

ARTICLE XIII

Publications

The Publicity Committee before publication shall approve all publications of the Association.

ARTICLE XIV

Disciplinary Actions

Section 1: Submitting a Complaint

If a member has a complaint against another member, the complaining party must submit a petition of complaint in writing to the Board. The Board shall review the petition of complaint within thirty (30) days.

Section 2: Notification

If the Board decides that a member's petition of complaint has merit, the Secretary shall notify the defending party by certified mail that they must submit a petition of defense within fourteen (14) days to the Board. A copy of the charges shall be included in the letter.

Section 3: Hearing

A. The hearing of the Board must be held within fourteen (14) days of the receipt of the petition of defense. The complaining and defending parties must be present to clarify any questions the Board may have. The Director or an appointed presiding officer will preside over the hearing as mediator.
B. If the defending party fails to submit a petition of defense within fourteen (14) days or fails to appear at the hearing, they will be placed on suspension until the matter can be resolved.
C. If the complaining party fails to appear at the hearing, the matter will be dropped.
D. Legal counsel will not be allowed at this hearing.

Section 4: Decision

The Board will have seven (7) days from the date of the hearing to publish a decision.

Section 5: Disciplinary Actions of the Board

A. No Action: The Board can take this recourse if the matter is deemed inappropriate or irrelevant.
B. Reprimand: A report of the incident and a written reprimand will go into the member's file. No other action will be taken.
C. Probation: The member will be under close observation during whatever probationary period is set forth by the Board.
D. Suspension: The member's membership and related privileges will be suspended for a period to be determined by the Board.
E. Expulsion: The person's membership and related privileges will be permanently revoked.

Section 6: Offenses

Petitionable offenses include but may not be limited to:

: 1. Convictions more serious than a second-degree misdemeanor.; 2. Convictions of perjury, falsification of reports and records or giving false statements.; 3. Gross negligence of misconduct.; 4. Any action that would cause the life or well being of any search team member, subject or bystander to be in danger.; 5. Violation of Team policies and/or safety procedures.

Section 7: Resolution of Complaints originated from outside of Association

A. All complaints shall be in writing and include the complaining parties name, address, phone numbers, date and location of incident.
B. The Board shall have 30 days to determine how the complaint will be investigated. The Board may but is not limited to:

: 1. Assign the complaint investigation to a member or committee.; 2. Assign the complaint investigation to an appropriate office of the Orange County School Board.; 3. Assign the complaint to the Special Investigations Section of the Orlando Fire Department.; 4. If in the opinion of the board the complaint is of a criminal nature or could result in criminal charges, turn the complaint over to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

C. The Board will make every effort to respond to the complainant within 60 days of receipt of the original complaint.

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