Search efforts applauded Jan-Christian Sorensen Contributing Writer A pioneer of North Shore search and rescue operations has been named the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) search and rescue volunteer of the vear. Dave Brewer, who helped found North Shore Rescue and currently serves as search manager for that organization, was presented with the award on Saturday in Victoria by provincial Attorney-General Andrew Petter. Today there are over 45 active volunteer members of North Shore Rescue that aid in over 60 search and rescuc operations each year. “It’s absolutely unbeliev- able,” said a humbled Brewer. “To think that I was singled out, when there are so many other men and women around the province that do the same thing. It’s a great honour.” During the ceremony, Petter championed the efforts of the PEP's 13,000 votun- teers that respond to over 6,000 calls a year. Responses fange from finding children fost in the woods to helping people trapped in damaged vehicles, to re-establishing communications links to an affected area. “Volunteers like Dave Brewer are B.C.’s public safety lifeline,” he said. “They are ready seven days a week, 24 hours a day and they're pre- . pared for all kinds of weather and all kinds of siuations. ‘es 4.” CHANGE $Qq 99 BTL OFF. petro conesa 10830 a t SERS Eeonedzte & 13th, MN. Vancouver DAVE Brewer has been named PEP search and res- cue volunteer of the year. “It’s a privilege to honour our emergency volunteers and coordinators who have such a commitment to helping others in need and making B.C. a safer and better place to live.” Brewer is also an active member of the search and res- cue committee that advises the province on matters relating to ground and inland waters. And don’t think for one minute thar Brewer, a volun- teer with 40 years experience under his belt, will be resting on his laurels after receiving the lauda' Brewer, who spends his days as director of supply and services for Capilano College, is currently secking funding from Petter and the PEP to establish a comprehensive, coordinated public safety and awareness campaign similar to the Hug a Tree and Survive program established for chil- dren. That campaign was born out of the concern that chil- genie fens 9 WR iis regan ° for mag hie H tain, oll 6 Olter change foe bub deci 17? Fd treat & ver brake ining pork, : Wonton ateed es ine 69" ‘And mony, mosy more. Plecse col tor your next appointment. | :}6©»© Ss GOLD WRENCH AUTOMOTIVE 46 E. Esplande, W, Van. Tek: $90-£936 LAPS (227) sce rascece may see dren who are last in the wends have a tendency to wander off instead off remaining in one place, thus making it more dif ficult for rescuers to focate them. ‘The program, which began on the North Shore over a decade ago, has since been adopted by the RCMP and the national search and rescue sec- retariat, which instituted it into a nationwide kinder- garten program with colour- ing books and informational videos. However, the new public campaign Brewer envisions would have a main emphasis on prevention. “B.C. is recognized as a leader for our search and res- cue programs,” he said. “We also want to be known as a leader in prevention programs. But in order ta do that suc- cessfully you have to change people’s behavioural patterns. That's the key. “We need to make sure that the people who live here and those who visit under- stand this: Enjoy the outdoors safely. It’s your responsibility.” Also this week, the three North Shore councils present- ed Emergency Preparedness Week awards of ment to out- standing volunteers in thcir respective communities. North Vancouver City honoured Mike Andrews, Emergency Social Services Team coordinator for the St. John Ambulance and one of the = directors of the Emergency Social Services Association of BC. North Vancouver District gave thanks to Tim Jones, for- mer North Shore Rescue Team leader and current equipment officer and deputy team leader for that organiza- uon. West Vancouver District presented its award or ment to former North and West Vancouver PCACY Program communications vol- unteer Bill Scholey, who is developing an amateur radio program that assists in disaster situations when conventional communications have been disrupted. The awards ceremony helped to kick off provinci Emergency Preparedness Week in B.C., which runs from May I to 7. Petter, meanwhile, also handed out annual awards to John Plesha of Burnaby for emergency program coordina- tor; Clare Fletcher of Whistier for emergency social services volunteer, Kim Olfert of Terrace for communications volunteer; Dale Drysdale of Port McNeill for air rescue volunteer; and Walter Mantel of Terrace for highway rescue volunteer. Radinon President No 38d & Cambig, Ridimond, BC GUEST SPEAKER: "6 Come “Song Soak =e 197 8 * * Seminar Tatke fee J APPLE CIDER VINEGAR- 500 m, (SWISS HERBALS) Lotus Supplements in Ambleside 1360 Manne Oviee, Vien Vancouver ANDERSONS PHARMACY 273 Lonsdate Avanue, March Vane tarver 9838-5271 1520 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vartouver 55/180 wns FAO y AITON 267 £ Ist. a Entrance in sesz Moa.- Sat. Th-Fpm Suoday 12-5 pm 9h4- SEATTLE SOUNDERS Kick off the ‘2000 Season Be one of the first 3000 fans and receive an 86ers fridge magnet courtesy of ARCO North Van North Shore owned & 0 whe re.0 Keith A. Cameron '. 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