Contact Us

We love to hear from you!

Have questions or want to learn more about the Burke Rescue Squad? We’re here to help and would love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers, supporting our mission with a donation, or learning more about the lifesaving services we provide, we would be delighted to answer your questions and provide the information you need.

You can reach us several ways:

  • Come to our general meetings at 6:30 PM on 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month.

  • Address: 120 St Marys Church Rd, Morganton, NC 28655

  • Phone: (828) 437-0730

  • Email: info@burkerescue.org

  • Fill out the web form

    No matter how you choose to get in touch, we’ll make every effort to respond quickly and ensure you have all the information you’re looking for. Let’s connect and work together to make our community safer!

Join our Team!

We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to join our rescue, medical response, and search operations. No prior experience or emergency medical certifications are required to join. To train new members in cohesive groups, we process applications in three annual cohorts: January, May and September. Applications received after a cohort deadline are automatically rolled over to the next cycle.

We offer three volunteer tracks

Full Members

Provide active medical and rescue services, with opportunities to specialize in high-angle rope rescue, swiftwater rescue, wilderness search and rescue (SAR), vehicle rescue, and EMS.

Support Members

Assist with logistical, fundraising, and administrative efforts with less demanding physical or training requirements.

Junior Members (Ages 16 - 17)

Minors who train and assist in a limited, supervised capacity to learn about rescue operations and prepare for the future.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

  • Live or work in Burke County, NC.

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien.

  • Be at least 16 years of age.

  • Pass a comprehensive criminal background check and driving record verification.

  • Be willing to commit to the squad for 3 to 5 years, meeting a minimum monthly duty shift standard of 12 hours and a quarterly standard of 36 hours and/or 36 call responses.

  • Be physically and mentally capable of performing strenuous rescue operations under demanding, austere conditions (required for Search and Rescue teams).

The 4-Step Recruitment Process

Step 1: Attend Meetings

Before submitting an application, you must attend at least three (3) squad meetings to meet the team and learn about our operations. Just show up at the station to get signed in:

  • General Meetings: Second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM.

  • Search and Rescue (SAR) Training Meetings: Second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM.

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Complete and submit our online application form during one of our onboarding cycles. Please do not leave any blank lines (use N/A where applicable). Note that any falsifications or omissions are grounds for dismissal.

Step 3: Panel Interview

Completed applications are reviewed by our Membership Committee. Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person panel interview within a month of the cohort deadline.

Step 4: Minimum 6-Month Probationary Period

Upon approval by the Chief and a majority vote from the squad body, you will enter a probationary period. You will work with an assigned mentor to complete your skills workbook, pass a physical competency test, and earn at least one basic required certification (such as EMT, EMR, Land Field Search Team Member, or Intro to Technical Rescue).

At the conclusion of your probationary period, the active squad body votes on your transition to full, active membership status.