South Fraser Search and Rescue (SFSAR) is looking for volunteers to join their ranks.
The SFSAR is a non-profit organization focused on the recovery of missing persons in the Southwest region of the province, and has been serving Richmond, Delta and Surrey for 51 years.
Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen First Nations are also in their network.
The organization responds to a wide range of incidents, but focuses on the search of seniors living with dementia and children with special needs.
The deadline to apply is Oct. 31, with application screening commencing in November.
Members of the SFSAR provide a noble and vital service to the community by bringing their loved ones home – a very rewarding volunteering experience, according to president Andrew Wallwork.
“I really put myself in their shoes,” he said. “It's two in the morning, and your mother, who's living with dementia… has gone missing; you want every resource available to go through and locate her safe and unharmed.”
“That is really what we do. We bring the resources to run a systematic, organized search to bring your loved one home.”
SFSAR capabilities include ground search and rescue; rope, mountain, swiftwater and inland water rescue, evidence searches, evacuation assistance, spotting and tracking. Members also respond to incidents across the province as part of the incident management team (IMT).
Although everyone is welcome to apply, the SFSAR is encouraging members of the Asian community to join their diverse team.
“What we really want to do is reflect the communities that we serve; we've made significant inroads, but we're definitely not there yet,” said Wallwork. “We serve a very diverse population, and having everybody with various backgrounds just makes us stronger.”
With a combined force of 50 members, active personnel are expected to commit to at least 150 hours of training per year. And, in the first year, the commitment will be even greater for volunteers - up to 200 hours.
Successful applicants will be invited for a field day to assess team dynamics, followed by an interview. Those selected will become members in training and go through rigorous coaching to match the provincial ground search and rescue standard.
This includes a provincially recognized 70-hour Ground Search and Rescue course over six months at the Justice Institute of B.C., one of Canada's leading public post-secondary institutions for public safety.
In addition to a seven-hour online introduction to SAR in B.C. course, regular training on Thursday evenings or other days, a 14-hour first aid certification and a minimum attendance at operation tasks must be completed before becoming an active member.
The time commitment cannot be emphasized enough, added Wallwork.
“What we're really looking for is people that have that flexibility,” he explained. “Requests for searches come sometimes at the most inopportune times, a lot of time overnight; one in the morning is unfortunately, not uncommon for us.”
However, those interested in volunteering with the search and rescue organization can do so in other ways. Associate members help in finance, fundraising, equipment maintenance, training, public awareness and more.
Associate members can participate in training but are not expected to attend search and rescue operations.
Minimum basic requirements to join the South Fraser Search and Rescue include:
- 19 years old
- Physically fit
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum St. Johns Standard First Aid or higher)
- Valid Class 5 B.C. driver’s licence
- Ability to travel safely in the Lower Mainland in all weather
- Basic outdoors and survival skills
- Knowledge and experience in local/regional areas, parks, trails and mountains
- Personal survival equipment (minimum 24-hour survival pack) and basic outdoor gear
- Home/employment situation that allows for call-outs 24/7/365
- A commitment to a minimum two years of service
- Ability to complete all required training
- Live within a reasonable driving distance of Delta, Richmond, Surrey or White Rock (some members live in Vancouver and Langley) – approximately an hour’s drive.
Any additional skills are also welcome.
For more requirements and application information, visit the SFSAR website.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter. Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
