News release
Bump, Set, ERT!
October 21, 2025
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Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP
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The RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team (ERT)is an extremely important part of law enforcement in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan. They are a highly skilled group of individuals that are called into the most serious and dangerous situations. Being part of this incredible team is not for everyone.
Recently the UBC Okanagan Heat men’s volleyball team got an opportunity to be put through the paces for an afternoon of specialized training and drills that the ERT team could come across with each call they attend. Each of the athletes participated in a couple of different scenario training sessions designed to test their physical and mental capabilities. They executed a rescue and evacuation of a hostage, resolved a police incident involving armed and barricaded persons and even pulled the ERT truck across the parking lot working as a team.
“We are very grateful to the staff of the RCMP ERT who hosted us for a valuable afternoon of learning and growth,” said Scott Koskie, Heat head coach. “We often speak of how important the strength of a team is and the ERT members showed us how everything starts with the strength of the team. The willingness to work for each other, how to train, push our limits and execute skills together are lessons that we will not forget. These are amazing individuals, and we thank them for their time and teaching.”
ERT likes to give young individuals the opportunity to experience various real-life scenarios to give them an understanding of their job. To become a member of ERT, individuals must go through extensive training and requirements that are critical in joining this specialized team and the Heat athletes got a taste of that. In addition to possessing advanced tactical skills, members must also possess the self-discipline to function effectively in physically and psychologically challenging environments for extended periods of time.
The Heat athletes also need to function effectively both physically and mentally on the volleyball floor. Sure, it’s not comparing apples to apples, but finding ways to overcome the highs and lows of sports particularly on the mental side in challenging environments takes training and tactics that not everyone possesses.
“The RCMP ERT training with our team was a unique and memorable team bonding experience,” says Zach van Geel, Heat team captain. “It highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication and dedication – all demonstrated by an incredible group of RCMP officers. The stations were both fun and challenging, pushing our team to work together, support one another and rise to the occasion. We thank them for the time they spent with us.”
The RCMP is always looking for motivated team players who are physically fit and possess strong leadership abilities. The RCMP offers an exceptional career, letting you make a real difference in local communities and on the national and international stage. No other police force in Canada provides the levels of services and variety offered by the RCMP, as well as opportunities for continued learning and growth.
To learn more about a career in the RCMP click RCMP Recruiting