As part of the Province’s $10 million in one-time funding commitments to the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) to help bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals, BCSARA teams in Peace River South will receive $85,500 in 2016.

The South Peace Emergency Response Team, Tumbler Ridge Search and Rescue and Chetwynd Search and Rescue will use this funding for technical search and rescue response training, personal protective equipment to ensure their members are safe, and other equipment that supports search and rescue operations.

The $10 million in BCSARA funding is distributed over a two-year period, based on the proposed alternative support model that was supported by its members. These funding allocations are given according to the needs of the local ground search-and-rescue teams to replace or update equipment, provide administrative support and pay for new or additional training.

This investment builds on the $6.3 million the B.C. government is already providing each year to cover ground search-and-rescue operational costs for deployment, as well as training and equipment costs, and the insurance and liability for the members of the 80 groups serving throughout the B.C. landscape.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto –

“Search and rescue volunteers demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the safety of families and communities throughout this province. These local heroes provide vital aid to British Columbians in need and are a beacon of hope when a loved one goes missing. We will continue to support emergency responders and, in turn, the overall safety of British Columbians.”

Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South –

“We are fortunate within B.C. to have such a dedicated group of individuals who make serving the safety of others their passion. Although personal safety is everyone’s responsibility, it is comforting to know these dedicated volunteers are here to help.”

BC Search and Rescue Association president Chris Kelly –

“BCSARA is pleased to disburse this funding to assist ground search and rescue groups in addressing their priorities; whether it be replacing critical equipment, gaining additional training, or completing infrastructure work to improve response and keep members safe. We thank the Province for this funding and continuing to work with us to assist the search and rescue community.”

Learn More:

BC Search and Rescue Association: www.bcsara.com

PreparedBC: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc

Basic emergency kit supplies: http://ow.ly/4nrcp3

Household preparedness and neighbourhood preparedness guides: http://ow.ly/4nrcso

Emergency Info BC, B.C.’s official channel for emergency alerts: http://ow.ly/WCDbj

Follow on Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC (twitter.com) and @PreparedBC (twitter.com)