Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 10/99) - RCMP Northern Search and Rescue expert Jack Kruger told stories of scooping half-frozen people off breaking ice pans and using fish nets in rivers to catch dead bodies.

More than 30 Yellowknifers learned what it takes to be part of a citizen based Search and Rescue (SAR) team at a Wednesday night recruitment drive.

The information meeting was held to sign volunteers interested in starting a local SAR organization in Yellowknife.

Most in the room added their name to the list.

"I've never been in a community where I've had the opportunity to do this," Tammy White said as she signed on.

"There seems to be many people here tonight with a lot of wisdom and knowledge of the land, and I think we can all benefit from that."

Bryan Peterson also joined the effort.

"I like the outdoors and I wanted to get involved in a community function," Peterson said.

"I think I'll get personal satisfaction from the training and in finding someone who is lost."

Volunteers who stick with the new program will receive field and classroom training from SAR experts.

"From my perspective, it's very gratifying to see a community take an interest in solving problems themselves," Kruger said after his presentation.

GNWT emergency measures coordinator Max Rispin said 51 searches were launched in NWT last year.

He outlined how searches get started and why it's important to have a community based program.

"With the training that's going to be offered, we can assemble a team that won't only be used here but in other situations to augment other teams," Rispin said.

"The more trained personnel we have the better."

The local effort is being handled by RCMP SAR training coordinator Jo-Ann MacPhail.

"What we hope is the people who join and are trained in SAR can use the knowledge they gain to prepare themselves for their own safety," MacPhail said.

"Another effect of this training is they'll be prepared to pass on survival knowledge to family and friends."

Hay River has an SAR organization and Fort Smith is currently setting one up. MacPhail's vision is to tie a network of Northern SAR groups together. They could then organize competitions and exchange information.

"The benefit of that would be more awareness and community pride throughout the region," she said.

The next meeting is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 in the RCMP Building training room, 4910 49th avenue.

Anyone wishing to join is welcome to attend.