Mission
The greatest resource available to the Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team is our people. The common thread that unites us is the desire to help others. To this end, we have dedicated ourselves to help locate and rescue lost persons. We have dedicated our time, not only for actual missions, but for training purposes as well. We put ourselves, our horses and our property at risk for the sake of others.
We are equally prepared to serve not only Montgomery County, but our neighboring counties as well. We are ready to assist the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department in whatever capacity our organization has the ability to do.
To maximize success in our missions, it is necessary to effectively use available resources. To achieve our goals, organization is more than desirable, it is essential.
There is no place for personal ego or bickering on a mission. Our purpose is to search-find-rescue, in the most effective way possible.
Constitution (Amended and Restated 01/24/2023)
Article I
The Montgomery County Search & Rescue Team (MOCSAR) is a civilian, self-governing, non-profit organization. Its membership is that of concerned citizens of good standing, willing to dedicate their time and resources to serve their community.
Article II
MOCSAR is responsible and has sole authority for the following:
1. Business - fund-raising, functions, meetings, etc.
2. Training exercises and call out mission procedures.
3. Funds- collecting, distribution, expenditures, etc.
4. Equipment- use, buying, selling, etc.
5. Recruiting members and maintaining active membership.
6. Disciplinary action against its members.
Article III
1. Any member breaking Municipal, State, or Federal law will be subject to disciplinary action from MOCSAR as well as the punishment by the penal codes.
2. All disciplinary actions against a member will be determined by the President, two (2) officers and two (2) non-officers. Issue will be decided by a majority vote of these five (5).
Article IV
1. Officers of the MOCSAR shall be as follows:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Sergeant-At-Arms
Events Coordinator
2. Terms will be two (2) years.
3. Officers will not be married to or related to each other by blood.
Article V
1. Election of officers will be at the regular meeting of November 2009, elections thereafter will be every other year in the regular meeting in the month of November.
1A. On or before the October meeting prior to election month any one wishing to run, may make their feelings known to the Secretary.
2. Elected officers will take office effective December 1st. Throughout the months of December and the following January, both administrations will work together to assure smooth and constructive transfer of responsibilities.
3. If a vacancy occurs among the officers for any reason other than impeachment, then the remaining officers can appoint a replacement until the normal election time.
4. Any officer may succeed himself if so elected.
Article VI
Any officer may be impeached by a quorum vote as described in Article VII. Replacement will follow procedure described in Article V, except that the impeached officer may not be appointed as replacement.
Article VII
1. All major issues affecting MOCSAR or its members will be decided by a majority vote of members present at a regular meeting.
2. A quorum of 15 active members, 2 of which must be officers, must be present to make issues.
3. Only members may vote.
Article VIII
1. Regular meeting will occur monthly as set forth in the By-Laws. Any change in date or time must be preceded by an announcement to the members two (2) weeks before the change.
2. Special meetings may be called by a vote of three (3) officers and every reasonable effort be made to contact all members. The special meeting may not be for the purpose of election or impeachment of officers, binding change of the MOCSAR constitution or binding change of the By-Laws of MOCSAR.
Article IX
1. Dispersing of funds in the event that the organization dissolves.
A. Equipment to be sold at fair market price.
B. Funds to be distributed to Non-Profit Community Organization such as Fire Department, E.M.S., etc.
Article X
1. Spending of club funds up to $1,000.00 will be responsibility of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Events Coordinator, Compliance Officer and Sergeant-At-Arms. A majority of the Board has the authority to spend up to $1,000 without prior membership approval.
2. A designated member will have authority to use the MOCSAR debit card for purchases under $500.00.
3. If the officers cannot agree, the motion will be brought to the members as described in Article VII, Paragraph 3.
4. A dual signature check system will be in effect at all times.
5. Single expenditures over $1,000.00 will be by majority vote as described in Article VII, Paragraph 3.
Article XI
1. The MOCSAR will strive for a harmonious relationship with Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, County Commissioners and all other County and State Agencies.
2. The MOCSAR recognizes the valuable input and close working relationship and the benefit for the citizens of Montgomery and other counties.
Article XII
Amendments to Articles can be made as described in Article VII, PARAGRAPHS 1, 2 and 3.
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By-Laws (amended and restated 01/24/2023)
1. A regular meeting will be held on the last Thursday of each month except when that day is a holiday. In the case where it does fall on a holiday it will usually be held on the 3rd Thursday.
2. In order to be nominated you must be present to make the nominations or be nominated.
3. You must attend three meetings from October to October prior to the election in order to vote and be present on the day of voting.
4. Any public correspondence, comments, presentations, or contact with any news media must be approved by the President of the Montgomery County Search & Rescue Team (MOCSAR).
5. The minimum age for adult membership is 18 years of age, a junior member is 14.
6. There will be no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on any call out or at any MOCSAR sponsored function.
7. Intoxicated members are requested to not respond to a call out and are subject to discipline by MOCSAR or arrest if circumstances warrant.
8. No fire-arms of any kind are allowed on a call out or any MOCSAR function except by law enforcement.
9. Anyone posing as a law enforcement officer is subject to municipal, county, state or federal laws and may be expelled from MOCSAR. Jackets, caps or other MOCSAR clothing may not be worn in any place where the main business is serving alcoholic beverages. Public fund raisers and political rallies are an exception to this rule if approved by the MOCSAR officers.
10. Any member wearing MOCSAR identifying gear or clothing, may not engage in illegal or questionable activity that would bring disgrace or embarrassment to MOCSAR. Jackets and caps, etc. may be worn if desired for public relations and good spirit. These articles of clothing should be worn with pride.
11. All rules set forth by MOCSAR must be abided by all members. Infractions will bring disciplinary action against the offending member as described in Article III, paragraph 2.
12. Any personal possessions or equipment of a member used or authorized for use by that member on or during any call outs or function of MOCSAR is at the sole risk of that member.
13. No one under 16 years of age will be allowed to participate in actual search call outs unless he/she is with parent or has written consent from parent or legal guardian.
14. No one under 14 years of age is to be allowed at Base Camp Site on an actual call out.
15. Anyone may be asked to leave the area of a call out as determined by an officer of MOCSAR. Anyone refusing to comply will be dealt with by a representative of the law enforcement entity on scene.
16. A minimum balance of $3,000.00 will be maintained in company funds for the sole purpose of supplying the needs of MOCSAR during official call out operations.
17. In case of a declared National Emergency or an Emergency declared by the Texas county governing authority (e.g. County Judge / Director OEM) of this or a neighboring county, MOCSAR may self-deploy to those locations and make our resources readily available to the authorized command structure that is already operational and in place.
The greatest resource available to the Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team is our people. The common thread that unites us is the desire to help others. To this end, we have dedicated ourselves to help locate and rescue lost persons. We have dedicated our time, not only for actual missions, but for training purposes as well. We put ourselves, our horses and our property at risk for the sake of others.
We are equally prepared to serve not only Montgomery County, but our neighboring counties as well. We are ready to assist the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department in whatever capacity our organization has the ability to do.
To maximize success in our missions, it is necessary to effectively use available resources. To achieve our goals, organization is more than desirable, it is essential.
There is no place for personal ego or bickering on a mission. Our purpose is to search-find-rescue, in the most effective way possible.
Constitution (Amended and Restated 01/24/2023)
Article I
The Montgomery County Search & Rescue Team (MOCSAR) is a civilian, self-governing, non-profit organization. Its membership is that of concerned citizens of good standing, willing to dedicate their time and resources to serve their community.
Article II
MOCSAR is responsible and has sole authority for the following:
1. Business - fund-raising, functions, meetings, etc.
2. Training exercises and call out mission procedures.
3. Funds- collecting, distribution, expenditures, etc.
4. Equipment- use, buying, selling, etc.
5. Recruiting members and maintaining active membership.
6. Disciplinary action against its members.
Article III
1. Any member breaking Municipal, State, or Federal law will be subject to disciplinary action from MOCSAR as well as the punishment by the penal codes.
2. All disciplinary actions against a member will be determined by the President, two (2) officers and two (2) non-officers. Issue will be decided by a majority vote of these five (5).
Article IV
1. Officers of the MOCSAR shall be as follows:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Sergeant-At-Arms
Events Coordinator
2. Terms will be two (2) years.
3. Officers will not be married to or related to each other by blood.
Article V
1. Election of officers will be at the regular meeting of November 2009, elections thereafter will be every other year in the regular meeting in the month of November.
1A. On or before the October meeting prior to election month any one wishing to run, may make their feelings known to the Secretary.
2. Elected officers will take office effective December 1st. Throughout the months of December and the following January, both administrations will work together to assure smooth and constructive transfer of responsibilities.
3. If a vacancy occurs among the officers for any reason other than impeachment, then the remaining officers can appoint a replacement until the normal election time.
4. Any officer may succeed himself if so elected.
Article VI
Any officer may be impeached by a quorum vote as described in Article VII. Replacement will follow procedure described in Article V, except that the impeached officer may not be appointed as replacement.
Article VII
1. All major issues affecting MOCSAR or its members will be decided by a majority vote of members present at a regular meeting.
2. A quorum of 15 active members, 2 of which must be officers, must be present to make issues.
3. Only members may vote.
Article VIII
1. Regular meeting will occur monthly as set forth in the By-Laws. Any change in date or time must be preceded by an announcement to the members two (2) weeks before the change.
2. Special meetings may be called by a vote of three (3) officers and every reasonable effort be made to contact all members. The special meeting may not be for the purpose of election or impeachment of officers, binding change of the MOCSAR constitution or binding change of the By-Laws of MOCSAR.
Article IX
1. Dispersing of funds in the event that the organization dissolves.
A. Equipment to be sold at fair market price.
B. Funds to be distributed to Non-Profit Community Organization such as Fire Department, E.M.S., etc.
Article X
1. Spending of club funds up to $1,000.00 will be responsibility of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Events Coordinator, Compliance Officer and Sergeant-At-Arms. A majority of the Board has the authority to spend up to $1,000 without prior membership approval.
2. A designated member will have authority to use the MOCSAR debit card for purchases under $500.00.
3. If the officers cannot agree, the motion will be brought to the members as described in Article VII, Paragraph 3.
4. A dual signature check system will be in effect at all times.
5. Single expenditures over $1,000.00 will be by majority vote as described in Article VII, Paragraph 3.
Article XI
1. The MOCSAR will strive for a harmonious relationship with Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, County Commissioners and all other County and State Agencies.
2. The MOCSAR recognizes the valuable input and close working relationship and the benefit for the citizens of Montgomery and other counties.
Article XII
Amendments to Articles can be made as described in Article VII, PARAGRAPHS 1, 2 and 3.
**********************************************************************************************************
By-Laws (amended and restated 01/24/2023)
1. A regular meeting will be held on the last Thursday of each month except when that day is a holiday. In the case where it does fall on a holiday it will usually be held on the 3rd Thursday.
2. In order to be nominated you must be present to make the nominations or be nominated.
3. You must attend three meetings from October to October prior to the election in order to vote and be present on the day of voting.
4. Any public correspondence, comments, presentations, or contact with any news media must be approved by the President of the Montgomery County Search & Rescue Team (MOCSAR).
5. The minimum age for adult membership is 18 years of age, a junior member is 14.
6. There will be no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on any call out or at any MOCSAR sponsored function.
7. Intoxicated members are requested to not respond to a call out and are subject to discipline by MOCSAR or arrest if circumstances warrant.
8. No fire-arms of any kind are allowed on a call out or any MOCSAR function except by law enforcement.
9. Anyone posing as a law enforcement officer is subject to municipal, county, state or federal laws and may be expelled from MOCSAR. Jackets, caps or other MOCSAR clothing may not be worn in any place where the main business is serving alcoholic beverages. Public fund raisers and political rallies are an exception to this rule if approved by the MOCSAR officers.
10. Any member wearing MOCSAR identifying gear or clothing, may not engage in illegal or questionable activity that would bring disgrace or embarrassment to MOCSAR. Jackets and caps, etc. may be worn if desired for public relations and good spirit. These articles of clothing should be worn with pride.
11. All rules set forth by MOCSAR must be abided by all members. Infractions will bring disciplinary action against the offending member as described in Article III, paragraph 2.
12. Any personal possessions or equipment of a member used or authorized for use by that member on or during any call outs or function of MOCSAR is at the sole risk of that member.
13. No one under 16 years of age will be allowed to participate in actual search call outs unless he/she is with parent or has written consent from parent or legal guardian.
14. No one under 14 years of age is to be allowed at Base Camp Site on an actual call out.
15. Anyone may be asked to leave the area of a call out as determined by an officer of MOCSAR. Anyone refusing to comply will be dealt with by a representative of the law enforcement entity on scene.
16. A minimum balance of $3,000.00 will be maintained in company funds for the sole purpose of supplying the needs of MOCSAR during official call out operations.
17. In case of a declared National Emergency or an Emergency declared by the Texas county governing authority (e.g. County Judge / Director OEM) of this or a neighboring county, MOCSAR may self-deploy to those locations and make our resources readily available to the authorized command structure that is already operational and in place.