Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Celebrates 40 Years
Long-serving ground search and rescue volunteers across the province are being recognized by a new program to mark the 40th year of the service in Nova Scotia.
"Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue has a proud history," said Emergency Management Minister Ramona Jennex. "Each year volunteers perform dozens of searches, helping countless Nova Scotians get through dark times.
"I am deeply proud of their accomplishments, and very pleased to launch a program that recognizes their service to our province as they celebrate their 40-year milestone."
The program was launched during a celebration tonight, Nov. 21, in Sydney.
Long-serving volunteers from the province's first search and rescue team were recognized with the presentation of the first service medals. Volunteers from the province's other 23 teams will be awarded their medals at various events over the coming months.
Organized ground search and rescue started in Cape Breton in November 1969. More than 400 volunteers searched for Billy Antle, a 35-year-old father of five who had gone missing while hunting with friends. He was found five days later, alive and suffering from frostbite.
Since then, that province's ground search and rescue has grown to 24 teams and more than 1,100 volunteers.
"Our volunteers serve a tough but important role," said Jay Frye, president of the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association. "They selflessly give of their time to search, often in the worst conditions, for people they've never met.
"This is a true expression of compassion and a trait that is inherent in all of our volunteers."
Ground search and rescue teams are supported by the Emergency Management Office and the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association. Local searches are co-ordinated through the RCMP, local municipal police agencies, and Parks Canada. EMO contributes $3,000 per year to each team and has secured more than $650,000 in federal funding for new GPS units, laptop computers and a central server to digitally link all the teams through EMO headquarters.