Lifeline volunteers honoured by province. (File photo/Central Okanagan Search and Rescue)

By Pete McIntyre

Emergency response

Lifeline volunteers honoured by province

Jun 23, 2021 | 10:00 AM

VICTORIA – Five public safety lifeline volunteers are being recognized for their exceptional contributions to emergency and disaster response throughout the province.

The award winners are among thousands of public safety lifeline volunteers who conduct air and ground search and rescue, help extricate victims trapped by serious motor vehicle accidents, set up communication networks and co-ordinate services for victims of natural disasters.

This year’s award winners are:

* Emergency Support Services: Ralph Laidlaw, Port Coquitlam

* Search and Rescue: Trent Blair, Prince George

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* Radio Communications: Barry Glickman, Campbell River

* Road Rescue: Stefan Lettrari, Kaslo

* Lifetime Achievement Award: Alida Erickson, Penticton

“Public safety lifeline volunteers demonstrate a selfless commitment to the safety of B.C. families and communities during emergencies. There are more than 13,000 public safety lifeline volunteers in British Columbia,” a government news release stated.

Due to COVID-19, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth is recognizing the award recipients virtually via video greeting – a safe way to celebrate the achievements of each volunteer and their contribution to their communities.

“Public safety lifeline volunteers are the backbone of emergency response, and I can’t express enough gratitude for the dedication our volunteers have,” Farnworth said. “This year, we’re congratulating a few of these volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to give back to their communities and use their skills to enhance public safety in British Columbia.”

There are approximately 2,500 registered search and rescue volunteers throughout B.C. who respond to more than 1,700 incidents annually.

Road rescue volunteers attend more than 2,000 motor vehicle accidents annually around the province.
Under the road rescue organization, teams provide vehicle extrication, rope rescue and other specialized rescue services to help protect B.C.’s travelling public.

Emergency support services provide short-term assistance to British Columbians who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and family reunification.

Emergency radio communications respond when other systems of communications fail. A proven and reliable means of communications, emergency or “ham” radio is a public safety lifeline that helps co-ordinate crisis relief.