"It isnt about money; its about finding & rescuing those who need it, regardless of why, in the most efficient way possible. All expenses come out of the volunteer's pockets."

That is exactly the point, as far as I'm concerned. SAR people are often putting their life on the line. I don't want to hear that some volunteer with SAR lost his life or got maimed because he had to make do with inferior equipment. If they want to volunteer, fine. That's probably the best way to keep control of your group, rather than letting a bureaucrat or a bean-counter do it. But I firmly think they should at least have their equipment and expenses covered.

Sue