Six Public Safety Lifeline volunteers are being recognized for their exceptional contributions to emergency and disaster response throughout the province as part of National Volunteer Week, April 7 to 13, 2019.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, presented the awards to the winners at the annual Public Safety Lifeline volunteer ceremony at the Parliament Buildings. Emergency Management BC staff joined Farnworth to celebrate the achievements of each volunteer and their contribution to their communities.

“The dedication and sacrifice displayed by these Public Safety Lifeline volunteers reflects the selflessness and generosity of spirit that forms the core of emergency response in British Columbia,” said Farnworth. “These individuals work independently and as part of a larger community to be of service to others in their time of need. These community leaders are determined to help others and make our communities stronger and safer. On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, I want to commend and congratulate each one.”

These award-winners are a select few among thousands of Public Safety Lifeline volunteers who conduct air and ground search and rescue, help extricate victims trapped by serious motor vehicle accidents, set up communication networks and co-ordinate services for victims of natural disasters.

This year’s award-winners are:

Emergency Support Services – Deb Chmara, Castlegar
Search and Rescue – Les Sakals, Clearwater
Radio Communications – Doug Barry (posthumous), Delta
PEP Air – John Lamb, Ladysmith
Road Rescue – Dale Hark, Cranbrook
Lifetime Achievement Award – Patrick (Paddy) Flanagan, Kaslo  

Public Safety Lifeline volunteers demonstrate a selfless commitment to the safety of B.C. families and communities during emergencies. More than 13,000 Public Safety Lifeline volunteers in British Columbia respond to an average of 6,000 incidents each year.

Quick Facts:

• There are approximately 2,500 registered search and rescue volunteers around B.C. who respond to more than 1,700 incidents annually. In 95% of cases, subjects are found or rescued within the first 24 hours.
• 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.
• PEP Air’s primary function is to assist Canadian Forces in their mandate for aviation search and rescue missions when additional resources are required. Currently, the organization includes over 100 aircraft crewed by more than 900 pilots, spotters and navigators.
• Emergency Support Services, previously named emergency social services, provides short-term assistance to British Columbians who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and family reunification.
• Emergency Radio Communications respond when other systems of communications fail. A proven and reliable means of communications, emergency (or “ham”) radio is a public safety lifeline that helps co-ordinate crisis relief.

Learn More:

To learn more about Public Safety Lifeline volunteers and their community work, or how to get involved, visit: http://ow.ly/4mKqFW

Public Safety Lifeline volunteer award winners’ biographies: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=D12650B7DC064814A598D009A37961B0

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