This article is part of the Tri-City News' tribute to Coquitlam Search and Rescue, which celebrates 50 years in 2022.
Fifty years have come and gone.
In that time, Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) has witnessed immense growth and change in both our organization and in the region we serve: From humble roots in the District of Coquitlam, where our volunteer members would respond to a handful of calls annually, to current day, where we have averaged 80 calls per year for the past two years.
Coquitlam SAR volunteers have been on call 24/7 for the community.
We don’t expect demand to stop there. The forecasted regional growth combined with exploding popularity of outdoor recreation means we need to adapt and evolve to meet the growing needs of residents and visitors.
The last 50 years of leadership by members — past and present — have laid a solid foundation for our future. We have benefited from the dedication and passion of those who have made our team what it is today.
To kick off our 50th year, we recently completed a full team strategic planning exercise, where we re-established our collective vision and set some organizational priorities to prepare us for what is to come.
These priorities are:
- Developing and mentoring our volunteers
- Streamlining our organization for maximum operational readiness
- Acquiring land and developing a plan to build a dedicated SAR facility
These goals are lofty and will take an immense amount of time, effort and generosity from our volunteer members and the communities we support.
Coquitlam SAR volunteers continue to be driven by our core values of
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Compassion
Everyone in the community and beyond has the potential to be touched by our work — whether we rescue you from an adventure gone wrong, help bring home a loved one who may have wandered astray or provide humanitarian response when disaster strikes.
We will always strive to provide the most efficient and professional service to all who live and play in the Tri-Cities, New Westminster, Burnaby, Anmore and Belcarra.
We are grateful for the individuals and organizations who have supported us for the past 50 years so that we may continue to be a public safety resource you can count on.
To donate to Coquitlam Search and Rescue in its 50th year, visit www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca.
