Search and Rescue groups approved for funding

Wells Gray Search and Rescue is getting $6,328 for training and equipment

A member of Wells Gray Search and Rescue uses an inflatable boat to rescue the members of a family trapped on a rock. The family had been canoeing on the North Thompson River near Vavenby. The incident occurred several summers ago.

A member of Wells Gray Search and Rescue uses an inflatable boat to rescue the members of a family trapped on a rock. The family had been canoeing on the North Thompson River near Vavenby. The incident occurred several summers ago.

Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s board of directors has approved two grants for search and rescue funding applications in the region.

Kamloops Search and Rescue ($6,335) and Wells Gray Search and Rescue ($6,238) both applied for funding. Each year the TNRD allocates funding that enables area search and rescue teams to apply for training and equipment grants.

“This money is going to great use,” said Ron Storie, TNRD emergency services coordinator. “It helps provide training for search and rescue workers, and is also helping fund the purchase of rescue equipment such as an ATV, a canopy, and snowmobiles.”

TNRD policy is to cost share 50/50 with area Search and Rescue teams applying for capital projects. Currently there are five Search and Rescue groups within the region: Wells Gray, Barriere, Logan Lake, Nicola Valley and Kamloops. In 2011, the TNRD allocated approximately $87,500 toward SAR capital and operational funding requests.

 

 

Clearwater Times