New building makes ‘huge’ difference to operations, NPSAR reports

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The acquisition of a building on 100th Avenue as a base for North Peace Search and Rescue has been a tremendous boon to the organization, improving everything from response capabilities to morale.

That’s what Brian Lamond, NPSAR president, and Sandy Ross, NPSAR director, told the City of Fort St. John’s regular council on April 28th when they delivered an update about how things have improved for the organization over the past few months since getting a building to house its equipment and operations.

“You might not think it’s a big deal, to us it’s a huge deal, the biggest life changer search and rescue has had in Fort St. John in the last 25 years,” said Lamond.

Lamond said having the building has reduced NPSAR’s response time, as it no longer has to clear snow from, warm up or boost its vehicles.

It’s also reduced the wear and tear on vehicles and equipment as a result of being able to be stored out of the elements.

“The biggest thing for our group is that it’s improved morale. It’s a place to call home,” he added.

One example of how having the building has improved efficiency and performance was this past Valentine’s Day, when a pickup truck went through the ice on the Peace River.

In the dark at -25C, NPSAR was able to get to the scene quickly with warm vehicles and equipment, rescue one person from the water and get both people to emergency health services.

“I think we saved two lives that night, that we wouldn’t have had the ability to save if we didn’t have that facility that you provided for us,” Lamond said.

Lamond said it’s a small thing, but to be able to get to a scene with warm vehicles and equipment makes a big difference, because search and rescue is a year-round activity in the North Peace.

NPSAR conducted a recruiting drive last fall and held an Open House at the new hall in September, where 45 people showed up.

The group was able to take on 12 new members because of these efforts, bringing the total number of members to 59.

It currently has five search managers, four operational teams, three first response trucks, two search bases and one technical rescue support trailer.

“We just put a new response truck into service in December of last year. That’s the first brand new truck I think we’ve ever bought,” Lamond said. 

“We’ve just updated our communications systems, partnered with Petron Communications in town, to give us access to their digital communications system north of town.”

Lots of local companies have been supportive of NPSAR over the years, said Lamond, which is much appreciated.

NPSAR’s rescues in recent years include ground searching to swift water, avalanche, ice, corner assistance, and evacuation alert and order delivery.

Lamond added: “Don’t make us come out looking for you. But if you do, we’re there for you.”

Find out more about NPSAR here.