April 21 to 27 is National Volunteer Week in Canada and the Kimberley RCMP would like to recognize the commitment of our Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSAR) say there are approximately 2,500 SAR volunteers serving in 80 groups in communities throughout B.C. These dedicated people performed over 1,200 tasks (searches or rescues) for over 1,600 lost or injured individuals in 2012/2013. Their commitment and community spirit is clear through the thousands of person-hours they give every year in order to maintain their training and equipment to respond when they are needed.

Our own Kimberley SAR team is currently made up of over 15 volunteers who respond to an average of 20 calls per year. A number of call outs can last several days; some are mutual aid calls where the team responds and works in other areas to assist.

In addition to basic ground search teams, Kimberley hosts a number of specialty teams including: Swift-water; high angle rope; avalanche response; tracking; and mountain rescue.

In order to facilitate the operations they manage a good inventory of vehicles and equipment including:  one initial response truck; one response truck; a mobile command truck; a snow cat; sled; jet boat; cataract; banana boat; three trailers; swift-water gear; snow travel gear; and rope rescue gear, which are housed by the City of Kimberley.

Training is ongoing and focuses on our specialty teams as well as basic ground SAR skills.  In addition some members sit on national and provincial boards, Kimberley is recognized as a team that gives back to the SAR community.

Kimberley RCMP commends the team for their commitment to the community and dedication to assisting people in distress.

Above photo: Kimberley SAR volunteers in recent action. Cpl. Chris Newel photo

Cpl. Chris Newel,

Kimberley RCMP

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