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HAY RIVER - The Canadian Rangers are gauging interest among people of the Hay River area in joining their ranks.

"If we get enough volunteers, we'd open a patrol in Hay River," said Maj. Luc Chang, commanding officer of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, which has more than 1,500 Rangers in 56 patrols across the three territories.

Chang said 15 to 20 volunteers are needed to launch a patrol, which would then hopefully grow into a normal contingent of about 35.

The Canadian Rangers did a low-key recruiting campaign in Hay River late in 2008 and early this year. Since then, three people from Hay River have trained in Yellowknife.

Mayor Jean-Marc Miltenberger fully supports the idea of setting up a Canadian Rangers patrol in Hay River.

"They're an essential service that is often overlooked," he said, adding Canadian Rangers are held in the highest regard by the military, protective services and local governments, and help out in emergency situations.

Currently, the closest patrol to Hay River is in Fort Resolution.

Chang said it is hoped to start five new patrols across the three territories over the next year.

Fort Liard is also being considered for a patrol.

The expansion is part of the federal government's new focus on Northern sovereignty and security.

Canadian Rangers, who are paid reservists, receive basic military training and conduct annual patrols within a 300-km radius of their communities.