Sparwood Search and Rescue (SAR) held its first annual open house. Hosted by members of the volunteer Search and Rescue team, many residents of Sparwood attended to enjoy a BBQ, meet team members, check out equipment and learn about what SAR does. "We really just wanted to give the public the opportunity to get to know some of the SAR volunteers, check out some of our gear and ask us any questions they may have," says Ed Ehrler, Sparwood Search and Rescue Manager.
Currently there are twenty-five Search and Rescue volunteers. "We are always actively recruiting new members to expand the team," says Ehrler. "With the shift schedule in the Elk Valley people are not always available during a crisis," he notes.
The SAR Team is looking forward to improvements in the near future. "We will be getting two new snowmobiles this year, and we currently have a custom SAR truck being built right now," says Ehrler. The truck will be capable of carrying a six person crew and all of their gear.
The SAR team would like to say a sincere thank you to the community of Sparwood. "It takes a lot to run an organization like this and all of the support from the community has really been amazing," says Ehrler.
For more information or to apply to become a member of the team visit their website at sparwood.vr-sar.org.
