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ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD - Recruitment work is ongoing in Fort Liard as a group of residents attempt to establish a Canadian Ranger patrol in the community.

Four residents - Phillip Bettale, Al Harris, Peter Bertrand and Lance White - are interested in creating a patrol. The idea isn't a new one.

In the past, there has been a number of attempts to start a patrol, said Harris. The previous pushes didn't succeed because of a lack of response.

"The real challenge is you need about 20 people to show solid investment," said Harris.

In any small community, including Fort Liard, it's hard to find those kinds of numbers, he said. So far approximately four people have voiced an interest in joining.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed hoping more people will come forward," he said.

Notices have been posted around the community asking anyone who is interested to come forward. To Harris' knowledge there's never been a Ranger patrol in the hamlet.

"I thought a Ranger patrol in Fort Liard would be very beneficial to the growth of the community," he said. "Being a Ranger is something local residents already have many skills for because of their ability to live off the land."

Fort Liard is receiving assistance to establish a patrol from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG), based in Yellowknife, which oversees all the Rangers in the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut.

In order to establish a patrol there have to be enough volunteers willing to join, said Major Luc Chang, the commanding officer of 1CRPG.

A patrol normally has approximately 35 Rangers ages 18 and older. To start a patrol between 15 to 20 people is an ideal number, Chang said.

If residents want a patrol they need to promote the idea within the community, said Chang. 1CRPG will give the new Rangers the six-day basic military training course.

Across the North in most communities many people, including Junior Rangers and Cadets, are enthusiastic about joining the Rangers, he said.

People join the Rangers for their personal reasons, but they usually enjoy serving together as a team, he said.

"It's a positive aspect for community members to work together doing something slightly different," said Chang.

There are currently active Ranger patrols in the Deh Cho Fort Providence, Trout Lake and Fort Simpson.