Carleton County Ground Search and Rescue celebrates 40 years of service
When Jim Corey, a founding Carleton County Ground Search and Rescue (CCGSR) member, was asked how the organization had changed over the years, he said it didn’t.
“The goal is still the same; the goal can never change,” he told the River Valley Sun.
Corey said the goal is a calling he later defined as “helping locate lost, missing people who are in distressing situations.”
This core ethos has guided CCGSR for all four decades.
On April 27, this dedication was honoured at the Best Western Plus Woodstock Hotel & Conference Centre, with members receiving many awards and commendations for their service to the community.
Search and rescue community members from around the province came to celebrate with the furthest travelling from Moncton.
The planning for the anniversary took place over the last few months, with the venue and refreshments being provided at a significantly reduced cost.
Several dignitaries attended the event, such as Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones, Woodstock-Hartland MLA Bill Hogan, Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnston, and representatives from the Woodstock Police Force, to name only a few.
Mayor Jones said she appreciates CCGSR members’ willingness to assist the Woodstock Police and the RCMP when people get lost. She noted that the town assists Carleton County Ground Search and Rescue by letting them store some of their equipment in municipal facilities.
Longtime volunteer Ray LeBlanc pointed out that the organization had changed significantly over the years.
“Instead of [only] using a map and compass, we use computers, GPS, … and we have much more information on lost person behaviour,” LeBlanc explained.
CCGSR President Ken Costain agreed. He said searchers now have “a lot more training than we had back in the early days.”
Costain believes CCGSR has become much more professional in recent years with the advent of national standards and multi-team training.
He also noted that their organization is always looking for new applicants. Those interested can contact him at (506)-323-0624 or visit the Carleton County Ground Search and Rescue Facebook page.
