Left to right, Ken Campbell, Joan Campbell and Etta Lewis and, in back, second from left to right, Const. Phil Greer and Albert Lewis. Representing the RCMP are, far left, acting District 3 RCMP commander Sgt. Gary Fournier, and far right, Staff Sgt. Dan Lessard, the RCMP’s provincial co-ordinator for Ground Search and Rescue organizations.Ken and Joan Campbell and Albert and Etta Lewis were among 38 volunteer recognized the the RCMP for their long service to Search and Recue in the Province on June 2, 2010.
The RCMP presented 38 volunteers with certificates of appreciation and pins for their years of service to the community. Among the recipients were five members with 20 years in the volunteer organization including the Campbels, the Lewises, and Phil Greer, a constable with the Sussex RCMP.
Other volunteers were recognized for five to 15 years of service.
Acting District 3 commander Sgt. Gary Fournier and Staff Sgt. Dan Lessard, the RCMP's provincial co-ordinator for search and rescue, leading the recognition ceremony for the Greater Fundy volunteers. It was the first time the ceremony was held.
Fournier said the role search and rescue organizations play in finding missing people, in particular, is likely relied on more by the district's RCMP than any other policing partner.
"It's such a vital role you play in the community," he said. "For Sussex, this is the first time we've had this opportunity to make this acknowledgement. This is our way to acknowledge your efforts and your commitment to your community and Ground Search and Rescue."
Lessard said volunteers such as the 38 in the Sussex region are invaluable to their community, and to the RCMP.
"Without you people, it would cost a humongous amount of money to the taxpayers of this province," he said. "You have proven ... your value."
He said search and rescue organizations in New Brunswick, by the way they search and their success rate in rescue operations, are recognized as the best across North America.
For GSAR volunteers like the Lewises and Campbells, it's all about working as part of a team to lend a hand to their community is lost or missing.
"We all have big families. When we see a child lost, especially, we want to help," Albert said.
Ken Campbell is the president of the group, and said the volunteers are all like family.
"We have a great team," he said. |