Lesser Slave Lake Search and Rescue (SAR) is run by volunteers. They have been struggling to find jackets which work for their specific needs, but have recently received a donation from West Fraser to help with that. West Fraser operates two mills in the Mitsue Industrial Park east of Slave Lake. Search and Rescue often does training at the Mitsue fire hall. The new jackets will be bright orange so searchers can see each other in the bush. Having a uniform also helps to identify SAR volunteers, when working with other groups such as the RCMP or military.
West Fraser made the donation on July 28 at the Slave Lake Fire Hall, which is where SAR keeps its trailer. The trailer in the background has everything SAR should need to maintain a search for 72-hours. Including snowshoes which are useful for walking on snow in the winter and muskeg in the summer. Left to right, Shawn Vollicks, Ashley Dunn, Jed Begin and Constance Schanzenbacher from West Fraser hand the cheque to SAR volunteers Kristy Wakeling and Jim Meldrum.
Search and Rescue is involved in searches or helping with other emergencies about six to 20 times per year, says Meldrum.