Queens Ground Search and Rescue needs volunteers to continue the service. (Rick Conrad photo)

By Rick Conrad

Queens Ground Search and Rescue has an “urgent” need for volunteers.

Brian Hatt, the group’s search manager, said Monday that they can use people in various areas, but the top priority now is for volunteer ground searchers.

“So we want to put our cards on the table and let everyone know that we really need volunteers to keep this thing going,” he said.

“We can’t afford to lose (this group). There’s no replacement. The only alternative to our service would be to bring people from outside, like Halifax, Lunenburg, Barrington. And that’s going to add time to a response which we can’t afford, especially this time of year.”

Queens Ground Search and Rescue has been offering its services in Queens and other counties for more than 50 years. They cover mostly south Queens and help RCMP, other police agencies and the Emergency Management officials with ground searches, evacuations and recovery efforts.

Hatt said they have about 20 volunteers in their search and fundraising teams. He said at one time, they had more than 50 volunteers.

The group provides all the training, everything from ground searching to drone piloting to first aid. Members also receive provincial and federal incentives, such as bonuses and tax benefits, he said. And volunteers are also given a special licence plate to identify them as members.

“But you choose the route you want to take in the team. … And you’re going to be part of a team that’s well received and recognized and really rewarding when you’re on a successful search and you bring someone home to their family.”

He said he’s optimistic there are people in Queens County who want to get involved.

“I think there are some people that have some time out there that would really fit in well and help us keep this valuable service going. And I know the general public really appreciate when we’re working for them to try to find somebody.”

Volunteers must be more than 16 years old and pass a background check with the RCMP. For more information, contact Brian Hatt at 902-350-1413 or by email at brianhatt@eastlink.ca .

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com

Listen to the news update for Jan. 15 below

Queens Ground Search and Rescue headquarters. Photo Ed Halverson

Queens Ground Search and Rescue is seeing a resurgence in membership and technology.

Based in Queens, the group can be called to respond across Nova Scotia to assist RCMP trying to locate people lost in the woods.

Searcher, Jason Croft says the organization is 20 members strong, half of whom are active searchers, and they are still recruiting.

“The only real requirement is that you are physically fit to walk in the woods. All training is provided by Queens Ground Search and Rescue,” said Croft.

That usually involves completing several modules.

“Your typical training would be map and compass, GPS, maybe clue finding and wilderness survival, for example. Just to make sure that not only can do the job,” said Croft, and “you can stay safe while you’re doing it.”

Croft says Queens Ground Search and Rescue usually receives six to eight calls per year to assist in a search.

The group is also building out a trailer to replace their aging bus as a mobile command centre.

The trailer has several stations including: communications to stay in contact with other search teams, a tracking station to monitor the location of the searchers, a logistics position to track equipment that’s been deployed and a search manager station to coordinate how the search will proceed.

Longer term goals include buying a drone, infra-red thermal imaging equipment and off-road response vehicles to assist in their searches.

Queens Ground Search and Rescue is self-funded and constantly looking for grants and fundraising opportunities.

Croft says the pandemic has put a damper on those activities but hopes that will improve as COVID restrictions lift.

He says the members are excited to see an upward trend in new recruits after declining enrolment over the past few years.

“We’re now trying to look into making sure that our infrastructure and our technology takes the appropriate steps forward now to match not only current demands but our current sizing.”

To learn how to become involved with Queens Ground Search and Rescue head to their Facebook page.

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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