Intangibles like sacrifice, dedication and professionalism are infinitely more useful than capes for the unsung superheroes involved in search-and-rescue operations in Alberta.
So said Justin Wright, the UCP member for Cypress-Medicine Hat, in a recent statement before his legislature colleagues.
Search-and-rescue operations “are time-critical, complex, and involve a variety of skills and expertise to save lives in the most challenging of situations,” he told the assembly Nov. 25.
“These search-and-rescue teams take part in ground, air, mountain and water operations across the province and in some tragic situations, even underwater recovery operations. Their work demands co-ordination, precision, but, most of all, sacrifice,” said Wright.
A network of 33 teams in six regions, Search and Rescue Alberta provides over $20 million annually in infrastructure support to agencies like regional police, fire and emergency response services, the non-profit organization says on its website. SAR Alberta is made up of more than 1,400 volunteer members.
The system’s roots are in the 1990s, in response to a need for trained people to conduct wilderness search-and-rescues.
Not every area of the province has reasonable access to search-and-rescue services, Wright said. That’s due to distances between teams, resources and other factors, he said.
While he spoke, members of a search-and-rescue advisory committee looked on from the public gallery. The committee is discussing recommendations to improve operations across the province.
Wright shared breaking news to emphasize his point. SAR volunteers had gone into action Nov. 24 to find a missing hunter in his riding, up against freezing temperatures, fluctuating weather and darkness.
The hunter was found alive at 4 a.m.
“Situations like these demonstrate how important SAR organizations are, responding whenever and wherever Albertans need them.”
For more information and to donate to SAR Alberta, visit saralberta.ca.