Each year, the provincial government recognizes Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer Award winners and their significant contributions to emergency and disaster response throughout British Columbia.

During a ceremony at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria today, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto recognized the outstanding achievements of dedicated emergency volunteers identified as essential to the success of their community organizations, including Fernie Road Rescue.

These award winners are a select few among thousands of Public Safety Lifeline Volunteers who conduct air and ground searches, help the victims of serious car accidents, set up networks of volunteer teams, and co-ordinate services for victims of natural disasters.

“I have been fortunate in my role as Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness to have the opportunity to meet countless dedicated volunteers who provide their time, talent and efforts to help perfect strangers through what are often the most challenging days of their lives. On behalf of Emergency Management BC and the Province, I would like to extend a special thank you to all volunteers – and the families that support them – for placing the needs of others before your own,” said Yamamoto.

There are over 13,000 Public Safety Lifeline Volunteers in British Columbia who respond to an average of 6,000 incidents a year.

Public Safety Lifeline Volunteers demonstrate a selfless commitment to the safety of B.C. families and communities with a tireless dedication and passion for helping others during emergencies, Yamamoto said.

“As a former police officer, I’ve seen countless volunteer rescuers in action over the years, and I can’t overstate the value of their work in what are often dangerous and very challenging situations. Their expertise and dedication don’t always receive the degree of attention that police, fire, paramedics and other front-line personnel do, so these annual awards really are important as a way of highlighting their work and offering our sincere thanks,” added Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

The following recipients were on hand to receive their awards:

* Road Rescue – Fernie Road Rescue (South East Region, Fernie);

* Emergency Social Services – Deborah Reid (Vancouver Island Region, Victoria);

* Search and Rescue – Brad Sills (South West Region, Whistler);

* Radio Communications – Bernie Leaker (South West Region, North Vancouver);

* PEP Air – Al & Kathy Kasatkin (South West Region, Abbotsford);

* Lifetime Achievement – Ron Essex (Central Region, Salmon Arm).

Road Rescue volunteers attend more than 2,000 motor vehicle accidents annually throughout the province. Under the road rescue organization, teams provide vehicle extrication, rope rescue and other specialized rescue services to help protect B.C.’s travelling public.

There are approximately 2,500 registered search-and-rescue volunteers throughout B.C. who respond to 1,400 incidents annually. In 95% of cases, subjects are found or rescued within the first 24 hours.

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