Photo : RCMP New Brunswick Commanding Officer A/Commr. Wayne Lang and Mr. Joseph Labelle the president of the New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association signing the new MOU.

The RCMP’s Commanding Officer in New Brunswick Assistant Commissioner Wayne Lang has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mr. Joseph Labelle the president of the New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association.

The new MOU updates certain aspects of the agreement between the two organizations, such as the expected responsibilities of both organizations, and ensuring both parties are involved in thorough debriefings after each search.

“The responsibility for lost and missing persons in Canada rests with police forces, however police rarely have the resources required to launch an extensive search. That is where ground search and rescue volunteers come in.,” says A/Commr. Wayne Lang. “These volunteers provide a valuable service to all New Brunswickers and give thousands of hours of their time each year with the extensive training they require and the actual searches.”

The New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association represents New Brunswick's 11 regional ground search and rescue teams. Comprised entirely of volunteers, these teams provide assistance to the RCMP and local police departments in locating and extracting missing persons in wilderness locations.

Anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering with their local ground search and rescue team can e-mail

Staff Sergeant Daniel Lessard
506-452-3091

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.

May 26, 2009

MIRAMICHI (CNB) - New global positioning equipment (GPS) is now available for volunteers from the New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association (NBGSARA) to assist in rescue efforts.

The Department of Public Safety obtained $510,000 in federal funding from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat for a multi-year (2008-10) New Initiatives Fund project that will contribute to improved capability and interoperability of NBGSARA.

The department has also identified $178,000 of in-kind support from the Government of New Brunswick over the three years of the project.

"This new technology will allow ground search and rescue teams to find lost persons more efficiently, and meet the technological needs of the ground search and rescue community within New Brunswick for years to come," said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General John W. Foran.

Team members were part of a training session held May 23 in Miramichi, which allowed them to familiarize themselves with the new equipment.

Planned improvements to ground search and rescue include such major technology upgrades as:

"New Brunswick's ground search and rescue teams are vital to helping New Brunswickers be safe and secure in this province, and they often go far beyond the rescue of lost persons," said Foran. "I am confident that the new tools will assist them in their duties and contribute to building a safer New Brunswick as we progress on our way to self-sufficiency."

The Department of Public Safety also presented the NBGSARA with a grant for $50,000. This is given annually to the association to support its activities throughout the province.

09/05/26

MEDIA CONTACT: Daniel Lessard, communications, Department of Public Safety, 506-444-5267.

09/05/26