RCMP donates truck to search and rescue organization in New Brunswick

Partners in rescue

In New Brunswick, the RCMP collaborates closely with the New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association (NBGSARA), which the Acadie-Chaleur team operates under, to respond to missing persons and conduct ground search and rescue operations.

The association, which operates as a non-profit organization, is comprised of volunteers from diverse backgrounds who share a love for the outdoors and a strong dedication to helping those in need. While not first responders, these volunteers undergo specialized training in search and rescue operations, making their skills invaluable. Each GSAR team is equipped with specialized gear, such as command posts, vehicles, trailers, rescue equipment, and baskets for transporting injured individuals. This equipment is funded through extensive fundraising initiatives and donations.

Despite their dedication, provincial GSAR teams face significant challenges, including the need for reliable transportation.

Finding solutions

In 2024, Constable Mike Oliver, a member of the RCMP's Operational Readiness and Response Unit, was approached by the NBGSARA who were struggling with an aging fleet of vehicles. This posed a serious issue because reliable vehicles are essential for search and rescue operations, particularly in remote areas where they are often called into action. Recognizing the significance of dependable transportation, Oliver took the initiative to find a solution.

"I looked into whether we could donate an evergreen RCMP vehicle, something that would be much more reliable for their needs," says Oliver, whose experience in managing RCMP equipment, such as the Explosive Disposal Unit's bomb trucks, and command posts, made him well-suited to tackle this challenge.

Over several months, Oliver worked diligently behind the scenes, consulting with RCMP Fleet management, and securing the approval of RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme for the donation. The donated truck had previously been used by the RCMP for hauling boats and other essential equipment.

Oliver says that despite its age and higher mileage, the truck, which was used by the New Brunswick RCMP to haul boats and other essential equipment, is still in good condition despite no longer being suitable for RCMP operations.

"I think it will provide the team with a reliable means of transporting essential personnel, and pulling the command post trailer, and other necessary equipment for their operations for years to come," says Oliver.

Daniel Haché, president of Acadie-Chaleur Ground Search and Rescue Inc., says the addition of the truck will enable the GSAR team to operate more efficiently and respond to emergencies quickly, improving public safety across the region.

"We now have the nicest truck in the fleet. This vehicle is going to make a huge difference in our operations, and we are incredibly grateful for this support," says Haché. "You have no idea what this donation means to our team."

Partner power

The RCMP's ongoing partnership with NBGSARA and other provincial organizations is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of people across New Brunswick. As a non-profit organization, NBGSARA is entirely volunteer-based, relying on the dedication of more than 300 volunteers who give their time, skills, and sometimes, their own money. Their contributions to search and rescue operations, fundraising efforts, and the maintenance of vital equipment are key to the success of the organization, according to Corporal Ryan Lewis, the RCMP's divisional ground search and rescue coordinator.

"The financial support for such organizations has been limited in recent years," says Lewis. "They receive just enough funding to cover insurance, so they rely heavily on donations and community support to sustain their operations."

Oliver's perseverance to address the need for efficient transportation for the GSAR team highlights the RCMP's commitment to enhancing its collaboration with the team.

The partnership between the two organizations also underscores the importance of teamwork in emergency response and community safety, allowing the RCMP to leverage the expertise and dedication of volunteers, like those in GSAR, to provide essential services when they are needed most.

As the RCMP continues to work with various provincial and private organizations, the support of volunteers, donors, and community members remains crucial, making the dedication of these volunteers, especially in organizations like GSAR, a testament to the strength of community engagement and aligns with the Government of Canada's priorities by supporting communities and the health and safety of Canadians.