How to become a member of US-HERO

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Membership in US-HERO is not for those who are not willing to dedicate the time in order to train and be a part of a successful response organization. Our ONLY reason for existing is to save lives. Saving lives requires our members dedicate themselves to being involoved in day-to-day operations, training, exercises and emergency response. US-HERO is not a social club, we are a volunteer emergency response organization and both our organizational culture and members are focused on emergency response. If you think you have what it takes to be a part of our team, we welcome you to explore becoming a member of US-HERO.

• Eligibility (Adult members)
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• No disqualifying offenses see:link
• If a veteran, must have had a general or higher discharge (DD-214/NGB-22 will be checked)
• US citizen or legal resident


• Eligibility (Youth members) - Not all Response Units have a youth component
• 14 - 20 years of age (9th grade or higher)
• Satisfactory grades in school (if in high school)


• Physical Requirements: Physical disabilities are not a limiting factor to membership. To assure the fullest degree of success in US HERO, the member should be healthy, both physically and mentally and not present a danger to themselves or others. Specific emergency services field specialties have physical fitness requirements. There are roles for people who cannot participate in field level work.


• Steps to Join
1. Determine if there is a unit in your area. Click  here for Existing Units or  here for unts that are forming.
2. Contact the unit's leaders and/or attend a regular meeting.
3. Once you and the unit leaders are agreed that you would be a good fit, complete the membership application.
    Click for membership application.


• What if there is not a Response Unit in my area?
You can do one of two things:
• You can start a local Response Unit of US HERO. Click here to find out how. OR
• If you belong to another organization, that organization can apply to become an Associate Unit of US HERO.
  Click here to find out about Associate Units.