This article is part of the Tri-City News' tribute to Coquitlam Search and Rescue, which celebrates 50 years in 2022.
Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) members are dedicated professional volunteers who donate hundreds of hours searching for and rescuing people every year.
But those aren’t the only things we do.
Running a busy search and rescue team requires hours of administrative tasks, equipment maintenance and training.
SAR groups are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year because people can be injured or get lost at any time of the day or night.
Task and training will take you away from family, friends and work at inconvenient times, usually evenings, weekends and holidays.
Are you available and prepared to respond to these times?
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
You’ll also need these attributes and skills:
- Time to volunteer
- Desire to help
- Physically fit
- Team player
- Adaptable
- Committed to making a difference
- Active outdoor enthusiast
- Familiarity with local area
- Travel skills in all seasons
SAR Volunteers not only impact individuals but the community.
Coquitlam SAR provides top notch training, diverse opportunities, a supportive environment and dedicated leadership.
The team meets every Tuesday for about three hours for regular training, equipment maintenance or administrative work.
We also usually dedicate one weekend day a month for six to eight hours, and additional specialized courses are offered throughout the year.
Members in Training (MITs) must attend 100 per cent of the 80-hour Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) course. We are asking for five-year commitment.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Our recruitment process is as follows:
- Submit an online application
- Attend a public information session
- Wait for committee review
If selected, applicants are invited to the evaluation group hike (date and location to be determined).
From there, a select number of applicants from the group hike will be invited to meet the recruitment panel for an interview.
Later, the recruitment committee will do a background check on each applicant
Finally, if you are asked to join the team, you will receive an acceptance letter as COQ SAR Member in Training, and proceed into the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) course.
Dates and times for the public information session, recruitment hike and the evaluation hike will be announced on our website (coquitlam-sar.bc.ca/recruiting) and social media.
To donate to Coquitlam Search and Rescue in its 50th year, visit www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca.
