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MEDIA RELEASE
December 2011
New equipment for Ground
Search and Rescue Teams
On December 18th, 2011 at
Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa.
Terry Price, President
of TIMMINS PORCUPINE SEARCH AND RESCUE will be welcoming SANDY
GUSE Dir. N.E. Region to make a presentation to their team.
On behalf of the
Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA) I am
pleased to announce that Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) Teams
are being provided with a variety of equipment over the next few
months to augment their existing inventory. This additional
equipment can be used, not only during active Searches and
Training, but to support Public Awareness Programs that they
provide within their home communities.
The funding for
this equipment comes from the SAR New Incentives Fund (NIF)
Program administered by the National Search Secretariat and
funded by the Government of Canada. OSARVA applied for a grant
in 2010 to assist Ground Search and Rescue teams in the Province
to modify training and search techniques, create Public
Awareness Programs within their communities, improve
communications and reporting, and to increase their equipment
inventory to enhance search capabilities and safety. The NIF
Merit Board approved OSARVA and its Member Teams in Ontario, for
a two year grant in the amount of $515,000. Representatives from
every team have had some input in the development and the
progress already achieved under this program.
OSARVA is a non
profit organization. It operates under a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Ontario Provincial Police and acts as the
umbrella agency for Ontario Volunteer SAR teams. OSARVA provides
guidance, certification training, SAR training, identification
and record keeping, and is the liaison with the OPP.
OSARVA’s main
focus is to ensure that all volunteer teams are properly trained
to do the job that they are being tasked to do – “find the lost
person”.
Today we begin
this process by presenting TIMMINS PORCUPINE SEARCH AND RESCUE
with the following:
1. Computer, Software products, Printers,
Multi-Media projector, with a variety of other Audio Visual
equipment and accessories.
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Public Awareness is very important
when it comes to the safety of outdoor enthusiasts.
Having the ability to present Prevention programs, to
set up information displays, and to advocate for safety
is just part of what your local Volunteer GSAR Team is
about.
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Much of this equipment is to be used
for team training and during active Searches. Today’s
new Mapping Systems software, GPS software and Team
information and reporting programs, requires more
up-to-date and flexible systems.
2. Motorola two-way radios – Eight
hand-held 5 watt radios with chargers, surplus batteries and
accessories, and one 45 watt Mobile Radio mounted in a
Pelican carrying case
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These radios are programmed with the
team’s own frequency as well as assigned common
frequencies that allow communications with Police and
other Emergency Response agencies. These common
frequencies will also allow SAR Teams to train and
search along with other teams in the Province.
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Additional communications equipment
will now allow SAR Search teams to carry multiple
radios. This is not only for additional safety and
backup, but allows the members of the search team to
create two or more smaller teams if needed.
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The 45 watt mobile radio allows a
team to maximize its search range or to relay
transmissions between search teams.
3. Additional equipment – GPS, Compasses,
Maps, Brochures, Posters and other Signage.
For more
information, please contact:
Peter Delmonte
Public Relations Director
Timmins Porcupine Search and Rescue
705-266-3819
peterdelmonte@ntl.sympatico.ca
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