Saskatoon Search and Rescue

So that others may live...

Saskatoon Search and Rescue Blog

cargo trailer

Equipment / Gear

Equipment Update

Written by Dale Liebrecht Saskatoon Search and Rescue recently purchased a small 6’ x 4’ trailer. We needed a unit that would serve three main purposes. Utilize it as a storage system that would increase the limited space available in our command trailer. Serve as a rapidly deployable communications asset that could house our new deep cycle batteries, Kenwood repeater system and Noco smart battery chargers. While being deployed on long SAR missions, we now have the ability to carry logistical supplies that can sustain us independent of outside agencies and support. In addition to these three critical milestones, the...

Other Training

Search Dog Basics

Written by Dale Johnstone Last July, I had the pleasure of attending the three-day Search Dog Basics Seminar in Regina put on by Mary-Ann Warren of Precision Search Dog. Sgt. Pete Garvey of the RCMP and Lloyd Goodwill of Search and Rescue Regina (SARR) brought Mary-Ann in for the weekend to give us an introduction into the world of search dogs. As I’m sure many people know, we do not use civilian search dog teams in Saskatchewan. But there is a strong and growing desire to change that and this course was a big first step in that journey. Mary-Ann...

Activations / Fundraising/Donations / Other Training / PSAR (Preventative Search and Rescue) / SSAR Training

2015 – A Year in Review

2015 was another very busy year for Saskatoon Search and Rescue. Here’s our year in review! Activations The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and RCMP requested our assistance for both urban and rural searches for missing persons. Missing Person Activations:  7 Standby Requests (Missing Persons):  3 These were missing person cases that involved those who are most vulnerable – very young children and persons, both young and elderly, with mental and/or physical health concerns. (See map at end of post for more information.) Saskatchewan Emergency Management and Fire Safety (EMFS) also requested our assistance with the northern fire situation and four of our members,...

Other Training / PSAR (Preventative Search and Rescue)

Reflections on SARscene Conference – PEI

Written by Tracy VanBrabant In October, both Diane and I had the pleasure of attending SARscene 2015 in Charlottetown, PEI. It is an annual event that brings together groups from coast to coast, to educate, train, and share ideas. It was an eye opening experience to see how many different organizations there are involved in Search and Rescue. While I’m used to working as a GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) volunteer, it was fascinating to see other groups like CASARA (Civil Air Search and Rescue Association), K9-SAR, Canadian Forces, Canada Coast Guard, RCMP, Parks Canada, police officers, firefighters, and many...

SSAR Training

Reflections on SARVAC Workshop – Saskatoon

by Dale Liebrecht This past weekend I attended the National SARVAC Workshop in Saskatoon. As a new Saskatoon Search and Rescue (SSAR) recruit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The weekend was filled with many engaging opportunities to meet with other volunteer SAR professionals across Canada. I experienced many moments of profound admiration for the organization as the conference evolved. One of the images etched into my mind was the quiet confident glow of our longtime outgoing National SARVAC president Harry Blackmore. I regret not sitting down and having a conversation with him. His demeanor was reminiscent of a man...