Water Safety Tips from the BC Coroner's Service (Jul 12 2010 - 22:00) -- SPLASH INTO SUMMER SAFELY: TIPS FOR WATER ACTIVITIES VANCOUVER – With temperatures soaring across the province, the B.C. Coroner’s Service is cautioning British Columbians who are heading to lakes and rivers to be careful when participating in water-related recreation. While data for this year is still unavailable, last year in B.C., 66 people lost their lives as a result of activities in and around water, with males accounting for 86 per cent of those deaths. The most common cause of water-related deaths in 2009 was drowning, at 69 per cent. A large proportion of the deaths, a total of 28, occurred in July and August. Of those, 19 fatalities – or 68 per cent – were the result of drowning during activities such as swimming, power boating, diving and white-water rafting, among others. Most deaths occurred in the Island region (23 deaths or 35 per cent) and the Interior region (22 deaths or 33 per cent). These statistics do not include deaths resulting from motor vehicle or aircraft crashes into water, or other non-water-related issues while on watercraft. The Canadian Red Cross offers the following safety tips to prevent water related injuries and deaths: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=18499&tid=024. · When boating, ensure everyone in the boat has their properly fitted lifejacket on and fastened. · Do not consume alcohol before or during swimming or boating activities. · Be cautious about swimming in currents, and know what to do if you get into trouble. · Get trained through swimming and water safety lessons. Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card if you operate a boat. Know how to respond in an emergency by taking first-aid lessons. · Ensure children are supervised, whether at home or on vacation. Adult supervision is the best protection for children – even for those who can swim. · Ensure that your backyard pool is fully fenced with a self-closing, self-latching gate. · When not using your home pool, clear all toys out of the water and away from the edge. These can often tempt children to the water’s edge. · Ensure you have emergency equipment including a first aid kit and a phone in the immediate pool area.

Special Public Avalanche Warning (Jan 15 2010 - 09:00) -- The following is a Special Public Avalanche Warning from the Canadian Avalanche Centre SPAW January 14, 2010 What’s the problem? We’re waiting for the freeze and it’s not coming There is a main persistent weak layer and a couple of secondary ones with more loading expected. Cooler weather will greatly improve this situation but the forecast is not promising Warm temperatures, rain at low elevations, heavy snow at higher elevations, and strong winds is producing cycles of avalanche activity involving both the old, deeply buried weak layers and storm snow layers. Snow and wind are expected to slow down or stop during the weekend but warm temperatures are forecast to continue. Things are not expected to improve significantly until sometime next week after several days of cooler weather. Even though fewer avalanches are occurring, those that are being triggered are larger and more destructive. This is a common recipe for avalanche fatalities: downward trending avalanche activity with upward trending consequences. Where is the problem most pronounced? The magnitude of the problem does not decrease at lower elevations as it often does: although the root causes are different, significant hazard exists at Treeline and Below Treeline as well as in Alpine elevations. All aspects. The Northern Rocky Mountains, the Cariboo Mountains, the eastern Monashee Mountains, the Selkirk Mountains, and the Purcell Mountains. This includes riding areas accessed from and around: Tumbler Ridge Grande Prairie Prince George Grande Cache Dawson Creek/Ft. St. John Revelstoke Golden McBride Valemount Blue River Wells Williams Lake Clearwater Invermere Nakusp New Denver Kaslo How to manage risk: Check the CAC forecasts at www.avalanche.ca for the most current and up to date information to help you plan your trip. Wait until several days of cool weather have stabilized the snowpack. Increase your margins of safety even if you do not observe any avalanche activity. Travel Recommendations: Stick to flat terrain not threatened from above One at a time when crossing avalanche paths. Regroup in heavy timber or in obvious non-avalanche terrain Boondocking in very low angle terrain with no large open slopes above. Highmarking is not recommended.

Missing Teen Rescued on Sumas Mountain (Jan 15 2010 - 09:00) -- Full story available at Abbotsford news http://www.bclocalnews.com/breaking_news/80958027.html CFVSAR was assisted at the scene by the Mission and Chilliwack search and rescue groups. In all, about 25 members were involved. Sebastian was on a school hike with five other students, a teacher and two teaching assistants along the old Centennial Trail. He was in the middle of the group on the way back and out of sight from the others, when he took a wrong turn. Dave Stephen, communications manager with the Abbotsford school district, said it appears that Sebastian followed the other trail, got disoriented, went towards a creek and ended up in a ravine. He likely suffered a fall along the way. The teen was noticed missing when he didn't report back to the trailhead. His group tried to find him, and then notified Abbotsford Police when they couldn't. Holeczek said one of the challenges for the rescuers was the embankment was rugged and steep, with a vertical slope in some spots. Another challenge was that Sebastian was found on the other side of Wade's Creek, which is knee-deep, fast-moving, filled with boulders, and about 15 metres wide. Laura and Robert Barrette, parents of Sebastian, the missing 14 year-old Bakerview Learning Centre student, wait to see their son just moments after he was wheeled out of the forest just after 10 p.m. Thursday. Holeczek said it's likely the boy slipped into the creek and was swept across to the other side. The roar of the water would have muffled any cries for help.

CFV SAR searches Fraser River for Missng Teen (Jan 04 2010 - 15:00) -- The following article is taken from the Hope Standard http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/hopestandard/news/80643527.html With little hope that a missing 18-year-old survived a fall from the Hope-Fraser Bridge into the freezing waters of the Fraser River, police are asking for the public’s help. "The family is very shocked at this time and are pleading with any users of the Fraser River to keep their eyes open in hopes of recovering Jordan's body," said Cpl. Lea-Anne Dunlop, media relations for the RCMP. After three days of searching the river by boat from Hope to the Pattulo Bridge volunteers have been stood down. Today RCMP continued the search by helicopter scouring the river for any sign of the young man. Jordan August is member of the Cowichan First Nation in Duncan B.C. but had been staying with his girlfriend’s family on the Chawathil First Nations in Hope B.C., reports Constable Lea-Anne Dunlop, media relations for the RCMP. Jordon August graduated from Hope Secondary School in 2009. August fell from the bridge at approximately 3 a.m., on New Year’s Day. The 18-year-old was walking with his girlfriend southbound from the Schkam Reserve, just north of the bridge. The couple was reportedly walking in the middle of the bridge at the north end when a truck approached. In their hast to get out of the way the couple went to separate sides of the bridge – and the young man disappeared over the edge. Hope Search and Rescue launched their jet boat searching the riverbank that night in the hopes that August, known to be a strong swimmer and canoeist, made it out of the water and that his footprints would be found along the riverbank. A Kent Harrison Search and Rescue team was also on the river searching for the young man by Sea Doo. A RCMP dog team also assisted in the all-night search. On Saturday, January 2, still holding out hope that the young man would turn up, his tearful father stood under the bridge embracing a police officer, as the RCMP dive team used sonar to map the bottom of the river. Their search was also unsuccessful. On Sunday, January 3, thirty-five Search and Rescue volunteers from Chilliwack, Central Fraser Valley, Kent-Harrison, Hope, Maple Ridge, searched the river from Hope to the Pattullo Bridge. Jordon August was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, white air walk runners, a white polo shirt and a beige fleece long sleeve sweater. August is described as 5'7 and 160 lbs with a slender athletic build, reports Dunlop.

Central Fraser Valley SAR Assists Hope SAR (Oct 19 2009 - 13:00) -- From Hope Standard: It was a close call for a local mushroom picker surviving being lost in the Silver Skagit over the weekend the incident has triggered Hope Search and Rescue to send out yet another safety message for pickers. This weekends search was very similar to last years search when two pickers were lost in the same area of the Silver Skagit Forest Service Road, says Hope SAR president, Chris Stephens. Mushroom pickers keep their heads down and just go. When they look up they can have no idea of where they are, adds Stephens. The wild pine mushrooms can go for between $5 a pound and $40 per pound to a picker depending on the market. On Friday, a 30-year-old Laidlaw woman searching the forest floor for the delicacy became separated from her group. She was reported missing late Friday night. She was not prepared for overnight, and not prepared for the weatherť adds Stephens. Over 30 searchers from volunteer SAR groups from Chilliwack, Kent-Harrison, the Central Fraser Valley and Maple Ridge were also contending with Saturdays massive downpour. The volunteers used a formation search technique described as sound sweepť Friday night and Saturday morning, scouring the area near where the group of pickers had parked their vehicles. By late Saturday afternoon two SAR members were sent outside of the search area a move that may have saved her life. If it had been one more day, she may not have made it adds Stephens. Her rescue is being attributed to a local teacher whose knowledge of the backwoods was instrumental in getting rescuers into an area far a field of where she was thought to be lost. It was late Saturday afternoon, when SAR member Scott Benwell sought the backup of teacher John Lang of the Fraser-Cascade School District Hope Mountain School. They were about to make an 11.5-kilometer hike from Highway 3 to the Silver Skagit Forest Service Road along the Skagit River Trail – in the dark. Lang drew on his years of experience of taking students on the long trek with the Mountain School. Along the trail, Benwell and Lang periodically called out for a response from the victim and finally at 10:30 p.m. one came. The woman was found across the Skagit River, luckily only 100 metres off the Skagit River trail, but six or seven kilometers from where she was thought to be picking. We think that she got herself on the other side possibly crossing when the river was low and the water may have come up in all the rain.ť The rescuers found a log jam wide enough to cross over safely, and wrapped her in an emergency blanket and any clothing that had remained dry. SAR members in the Skagit then headed into the area on ATVs, set up a rope system to assist her back across the river, and finally by 1:30 Sunday morning delivered her to an awaiting ambulance. She was disoriented, hyperthermia was setting if it had been one more night she may not have made it Hope Search and Rescue are reminding mushroom pickers to know the area they are picking in, take a GPS, as well as a compass, and know how to use them. And ”dress appropriately – be prepared to overnight,” adds Stephens.

HIKERS ON SUMAS MOUNTAIN OVERCOME BY DARKNESS (Oct 12 2009 - 04:00) -- Two 18-year old teens needed to be rescued by Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue on Sunday evening after their afternoon hike extended into darkness. Shortly before 7:00 p.m. Abbotsford Police contacted CFVSAR regarding two teens that went up Sumas Mountain for an afternoon hike. They were caught off guard when darkness started to overtake them while on their way down the mountain. Once it became too dark for them to travel safely anymore they did the right thing by stopping, calling for Search and Rescue and building a fire. When Search and Rescue crews arrived they quickly sent teams up the mountain to locate the hikers. When search crews found the teens they were in good condition but a little cold and hungry. They were then escorted down the mountain to their vehicle. Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue would like to remind those using the backcountry this time of year that the days are getting shorter and the nights can be very cold. Hikers should be prepared to spend the night even if they only intend on going for a day hike. Weather conditions in mountains are different than in the city and can change quickly. If you think you have what it takes to become a search and rescue volunteer, Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue is holding a recruiting information session at their base, 1594 Riverside Road at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday October 20, 2009

Injured 14 year old Hiker (Sep 24 2009 - 09:00) -- News Release by Abbotsford Police. A 14-year-old boy is in serious condition in hospital after he fell nearly 40 feet over a cliff and tumbled several more while hiking on Sumas Mountain early Wednesday evening. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Abbotsford Police received a call about a hiker on Sumas Mountain (east Abbotsford) who had fallen while hiking with his cousin. When police and B.C. Ambulance paramedics arrived they were led up a steep creek bed by the one cousin who had also fallen but managed to make his way out of the heavy brush to get help. When crews found the 14-year-old boy he was about 500 meters up the mountain, unconscious, and suffering serious injuries. Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue personnel (12) arrived shortly after and with the help of the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service extracted the boy to the base of the mountain where he was air-lifted to a Vancouver area hospital. “This area of Sumas Mountain is extremely treacherous and not intended to be used for hiking,” said Abbotsford Police A/Sgt. Casey Vinet. “It appears the boy lost his footing as he worked his way down the steep terrain.” “The victim is in very serious condition,” said Vinet. “Our thoughts are with the family at what must be an incredibly difficult time.” It is not believed the two were on the mountain for more than a few hours. The second cousin was taken to a local area hospital where he is being treated for less serous injuries. Both hikers are from Chilliwack. A/Sgt. Casey Vinet Abbotsford Police

Team assists in search for Jean Guy Potvin (Sep 18 2009 - 15:00) -- Potvin, of Abbotsford, was last seen at Delta Grove Campground in Cultus Lake, B.C. He was scheduled to return home on Sunday. Family members said the absence is uncharacteristic. Potvin requires medication which he has not attended home to obtain. He is a white male, 5′7″ in height, and 150 lbs. He has brown eyes and short brown hair with a receding hair line. Potvin is a paraplegic, and utilizes a back folding wheel chair. He was driving a red 4 door Toyota Camry with BC Licence plate 024 DCT when last seen. His vehicle has not been located either. If you have any information about John or his car please contact the Abbotsford Police 604-859-5225

CFVSAR IS LOOKING FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS (Sep 16 2009 - 16:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue is looking for new volunteers to take our Ground Search and Rescue training class scheduled to start in January 2010. We are looking for a dozen or so eager, committed and healthily individuals over the age of 19 to participate in this class. We will be holding an information session that is open to everyone interested in joining CFVSAR SAR and will be held on Tuesday, October 20 at CFVSAR's Base located at 1594 Riverside Rd. Abbotsford. This will run from 19:00 to 20:00. At this session we will go over what we expect from potential members. This helps us ensure people joining the team realize what they are getting into and the time commitment that is evolved with volunteering with a Search and Rescue Team. If you think you have what it takes to become a volunteer member of the team please attend this session and check out our recruiting page on our website www.cfvsar.bc.ca

CFVSAR on the Current Liability Issues Related to SAR (Jun 18 2009 - 09:00) -- This letter is to inform the communities that we serve and our tasking agencies (Police, BC Ambulance, Fire Service predominately) that the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society (CFVSAR) is continuing to operate without interruption. While we are monitoring the situation with regards to liability coverage for SAR volunteers, we stand behind the current work of the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) as they work towards a resolution of the issues with the Provincial Emergency Program and the Government of British Columbia. CFVSAR wishes to reassure our community that our Society, our Directors and our dedicated volunteers are adequately insured for our operations and administration. At this time we wish to reaffirm our appreciation for the many years of support provided to our Society by our local and regional governments, our emergency services partners and the community as a whole. As CFVSAR enters into our fourth decade of service we look forward to continuing to serve our citizens, locally and provincially when required. Respectfully, Lee Holeczek President Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society

Flares are for emergencies only (May 15 2009 - 10:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue would like to remind everyone that signal flares are for emergencies only and should not be used for any other reason. Recently the team was deployed for the entire night searching for individuals that launched 3 flares near the McKee peak area in Abbotsford. This "false alarm" caused the deployment of dozens of police and SAR members as well as the RCMP helicopter. It also tied up phone lines at the police dispatch center as more than a dozen calls were placed by individuals worried that the flares were indicating someone in trouble. The signal flares are designed to be seen by people many kilometers away so please do not think that if you launch just one nobody is going to notice.

Lost and Found for 30 Winners (Sep 03 2008 - 17:00) -- Congratulations to all of the winners from our two events. Search for the Clues Lawn Mower by Home Depot winner Tom and Lorri van Hunenstijn! Search for the Clues BBQ winner Nicole Schorak. Our silent auction winners trip for two anywhere in Canada from WestJet Angela Sargeant, 6 Bottle Wine Cooler from Coast Wholesale Appliance to John Morrow, Gore-Tex Jacket to Rhonda, One week free Canoe rental from Western Canoeing & Kayaking Inc. Anne, Old Spaghetti Factory Gift Certificate to M. Dalzell, General Paint Gift Certificate to Bruce, Samy J Peppers - Gift Certificate to Nadine Banman, ST. John Ambulance Babysitting Course to Kevin Hiller, Abbey Country Motor Lube oil service to Anne. Salon Montage Gift Certificate to Scott McInnis, Salon Montage Gift Certificate to Kristy Willshire, Red Robin Gift Certificate to Alyssa Sargeant, Golden Eagle Golf Club to Denis, Samy J Peppers to Alyssa Sargeant, Frontier Building Supply Gift Certificate to Ginger Sherlock, FootPrints Orthotics to Angelee Jack, Fusion Fitness 3 month membership to Danielle Schorak, Sports Ball Party to Heather.

CFVSAR - OPEN HOUSE (Sep 03 2008 - 13:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue is pleased to invite the community to an open house at our base at 1594 Riverside Road, Abbotsford. We will be providing tours of the base, our vehicles and equipment, have hotdogs, drinks, and anniversary cake to munch on. Interested in joining our team? The Recruiting Committee will be on site to answer questions and take applications. The open house is from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. We hope to see you there!

Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue call to Assist Abbotsford Police (Aug 25 2008 - 15:00) -- The team was called out on Thursday morning Aug 21 to assist the Abbotsford Police in locating a missing elderly female that has left her residence by the new Abbotsford Regional Hospital (ARH) around 4am that day. Members of the SAR team were able to locate the female a few hours later safe and sound. She was then reunited with her family.

CFVSAR CALLED OUT TO 3 SEPERATE TASKS ON SAME DAY (Aug 17 2008 - 22:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue was called out to 3 different calls in our service area on Saturday Aug 16. Members started the day out by assisting the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team with an evidence search in Abbotsford through difficult terrain and very high temperatures. Just as the team was fueling up the trucks a second page came in to assist the Langley RCMP with a search for a missing 9 year old. A few hours later the subject was located safe and in the care of a family friend. As the trucks were returning back to the base a third call for assistance came in to assist the coroner in retrieving a body in the Fraser River near Fort Langley. With some of our members being out for over 15 hours they were happy to get the trucks back at the base and to get home for some rest.

Central Fraser Valley SAR Called to Cascade Falls (Aug 15 2008 - 07:00) -- August 14 around 6:30 pm CFVSAR and Mission SAR were called out to Cascade Falls to rescue an injured teenager that was jumping into the pools to beat the summer heat. Unfortunately he was injured and fell into the water getting pulled into the underwater current of the water falls. Members from our swiftwater teams were able to pull him out from underneath the waterfall upon their arrival. Sadly despite the efforts from our members and BC Ambulance Paramedics we were unable to revive the teen.

9 Days Left! Celebrating 30 Years of Service to the Communities of Abbotsford and Langley. (Aug 13 2008 - 22:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society is pleased to announce our 30th Anniversary of service to the communities of Abbotsford and Langley. We will be holding various events this year to celebrate. We are hosting two community events; the first on August 23, 2008 at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford and the second on August 24, 2008 at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley. We would like to thank all the local businesses who have provided us with some very generous donations. Check out our new "Community" section for more information on the great prizes available to be won; including a Lawn Mower from Home Depot, a trip for two anywhere in Canada where WestJet flies, BBQ from the Bay, nights at the Best Western to name a few. Lots of fun for the whole family, kid zone complete with bounce castle, bubbles, Child Find; raffles, silent auction, 50/50 and food for everyone. Come celebrate our team’s 30 years of service to the communities of Abbotsford and Langley. We are still looking for donations to help support this event and to raise $300,000 for a new building. Should you have any questions or would like to donate, please contact Ali at 604-852-7271.

CFV Search and Rescue locates lost hiker on Sumas Mountain (Aug 02 2008 - 16:00) -- On Sunday July 13, 2008 Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue was contacted by the Mission RCMP about a hiker that had become lost on Sumas Mountain. The hiker was up at the lake but had gotten turned around on his way down to the trail head. Our team responded up the mountain with a police dog handler and located the individual in good condition.

CFVSAR assists Langley RCMP locate missing female (Jul 07 2008 - 09:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue were called out on Sunday evening to assist the Langley RCMP locate an elderly female that had not returned from a walk earlier that day. Through investigation with the RCMP it was determined the subject of the search had found shelter for the night and was in good condition. The team was then stood down.

CFVSAR assists in locating missing girl (Jun 05 2008 - 07:00) -- Surrey RCMP are searching for a missing 12 year old female named Natasha. Natasha left her residence in the area of 127th Street and 64th avenue in Surrey after an argument with family. She hasn't been seen or heard from since 630 pm on June 4th. This is very unusual. Enquiries with all friends and family have been negative. Natasha is a Phillipino female with brown shoulder length hair. She is approximately 3'9" and weighs 75 pounds. She was last seen wearing a brown shirt, light brown jeans and a blue jacket. Natasha looks about 8-10 years old. Natasha was located shortly after 8:00 am June 5 (From RCMP E Division Website)

Celebrating 30 Years of Service to the Communities of Abbotsford and Langley. 9 days left! (May 22 2008 - 21:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society is pleased to announce our 30th Anniversary of service to the communities of Abbotsford and Langley. We will be holding various events this year to celebrate. We are hosting two community events; the first on August 23, 2008 at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford and the second on August 24, 2008 at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley. Our anniversary committee is currently working on finalizing the details of these events, check back to see what's new. Come celebrate our team’s 30 years of service to the communities of Abbotsford and Langley. We are currently out looking for donations to help support this event and to raise $300,000 for a new building. Should you have any questions or would like to donate, please contact Ali at 604-852-7271.

CFVSAR assists police with body recovery (Apr 29 2008 - 14:00) -- Story from Abbotsford News Rochelle Baker: Mission RCMP officers are scouring Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford after human remains were discovered off Taggart Road Monday morning. The remains were reported to police by a hiker around 9 a.m., said Mission RCMP's Sgt. Greg Pridday. "The bones are located down a steep embankment and partially submerged in some water," said Pridday. It's too early in the investigation to say how long the body has been at the scene, he said. However, since the remains are largely bones, Pridday believes the body must have been there for some time. The B.C. Coroner Service is on scene, as is a Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue team. A police dog and handler are also doing a search to determine the body's original location, Pridday said. "Basically right now we are protecting the scene and waiting as search and rescue extracts the body," he said.

Floor Collapses in Abbotsford Church (Apr 29 2008 - 14:00) -- Story from Abbotsford Time: Abbotsford Police said about 1,000 concert goers, mostly teens, were at the McCallum Road church when the floor collapsed at about 9:15 p.m. Dozens of people fell through a 24 x 24 feet hole. The stage lighting system also fell on the crowd. The first emergency crew was on site within a minute, said Abbotsford Police Const. Casey Vinet. The scene quickly filled up with 30 local officers, RCMP from nearby jurisdictions, four or five fire halls, several ambulances and 13 Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue members, he said. Soon parents and friends also arrived, looking for loved ones. A total of 44 people went to local emergency wards, either by ambulance or by private vehicles, said Fraser Health Authority spokesman Savik Sidhu. Of those, 23 arrived at MSA General, 10 went to Chilliwack General, six went to Mission Memorial and five were sent to Langley.

Missing Children Located (Apr 07 2008 - 13:00) -- "Missing Abbotsford children picked up by motorist in Mission From CBC News Two missing Abbotsford children have been found after being dropped off at their grandmother's home Friday morning. It is not yet clear who dropped the pair off or where 13-year-old Donald Zaparniuk and his 11-year-old sister Samantha spent the night, but police say both of the children are safe and fine. "Early indications are that the two boarded a bus in Abbotsford and may have mistakenly ended up in Mission," said Const. Casey Vinet of the Abbotsford Police Department. "At about 1 a.m. a passing motorist saw the boy and girl near a McDonalds on Lougheed Highway in Mission and felt it was suspicious, " he said in a written statement. "The woman stopped and picked up the children and brought them home for safekeeping. When she woke up this morning she saw photos of the children on television. She then drove the children to their grandmothers," said Vinet. Initially, police said the children were last seen leaving Colleen and Gordie Howe middle school just after 3 p.m. PT on Thursday afternoon. Police were called at around 7 p.m., and a search was launched from Abbotsford's Matsqui community centre late Thursday night."

CFVSAR Benefit Concert (Mar 05 2008 - 23:00) -- Friday March 14, 6pm at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium. As a result of the generosity of local musician Jim Abbott and his band "The Storm", several local musicians will be performing in an effort to raise funds for the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Society (CFVSAR). In January CFVSAR was the victim of a Break and Enter. We are in the process of fundraising for a new SAR building that will allow us to house our entire fleet and help to protect us from future losses. Jim saw our story on the news after the break in and called to see if he could help. Come on out and meet members of the team, view some of our equipment, and of course enjoy some local entertainment for a great cause. This is an all ages alcohol free event. Bands performing will be: Jim Abbott's band "The Storm", Bud Webb and the Outriders, Lefty, Rocky Jr. Band.... A good mix of Country and Rock.

CFVSAR Becomes Victim of Break and Enter (Jan 09 2008 - 14:00) -- Members of CFVSAR were dealt a blow when they attended our base for our first training session of 2008, our 30th year of service to the community, as a break and enter with significant theft of valuable equipment was discovered. Unknown suspects entered a Coverall Shelter (fabric vehicle bay) located within the fenced compound and entered our Ford Excursion first response vehicle. A thermal imaging camera, rope rescue equipment, medical equipment and radios (handheld and mobile) were stolen. Thieves then made entry to our new support trailer that is still under construction and stole a 3000 watt Honda generator. The losses for the team are significant and for the community, could be much worse, as the equipment stolen is vital in providing the life saving service that CFVSAR has provided for 30 years now. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225 or Crimestoppers.

CFVSAR and Mission SAR called to Assist Boater (Oct 30 2007 - 10:00) -- On Saturday October 27 at approx. 1pm, 8 members of CFVSAR and 3 from Mission SAR responded to a report of a boat with a single occupant taking on water on the Fraser River between the Mission Bridge and the Rail Bridge. Once on the water in the Mission SAR jetboat 2 members of Mission SAR and one CFVSAR member determined that the boater in question was not in distress and required no assistance. The boater had been tending to his fishing nets when the complainant drove by and thought he appeared to be in trouble. SAR teams were then stood down by the Mission RCMP.

MISSING 80 YEAR OLD RETURNS HOME BEFORE HEAVY RAINFALL (Oct 05 2007 - 09:00) -- An 80 year old female was reported missing to the Abbotsford Police on Saturday afternoon. The female suffers from dementia and had walked away from the family home in South West Abbotsford. Thankfully the female was returned home before the darkness and heavy rains set in.

JUMPER TALKED DOWN FROM MISSION BRIDGE (Oct 05 2007 - 09:00) -- Central Fraser Valley and Mission Search and rescue teams were called out for a possible jumper on the outside of the safety railing of the Mission Abbotsford Bridge. Teams deployed their boats to the Fraser River. Police members were able to talk the person off the bridge and the SAR teams were stood down.

Mountain Biker Injured at McKee Peak. (Sep 02 2007 - 22:00) -- 8 CFVSAR members assisted by 4 Mission SAR members responded to a request from the BC Ambulance Service to aid in the evacuation of an injured mountain biker from the popular McKee Peak mountain bike trails near Ledgeview Golf Course. The 20 year old female subject was treated for injuries sustained in a fall while riding. She was evacuated by SAR and a BC Ambulance Paramedic and then transported to MSA Hospital by BC Ambulance.

CFVSAR Called to Assist In Alexis Creek (Sep 02 2007 - 22:00) -- One CFVSAR member joined a contingent of SAR Members from the Southwest region to provide assistance to a task near Alexis Creek near Williams Lake. PEP SAR teams, having all been trained thru the Justice Institute of BC are occasionally called upon to assist with operations throughout the Province.

Stranded Boaters Rescued (Sep 01 2007 - 00:00) -- At 2130hrs. the Abbotsford Police Department requested the assistance of CFVSAR to aid 4 occupants of a aluminum boat that had run aground near where the Sumas River and Vedder Canal meet. As our 6 CFVSAR members arrived on scene, the stranded parties were able to make it to shore. Assistance was provided in returning their boat to the boat launch. There were no injuries to the stranded parties. This was the 37th time that CFVSAR has been called out in 2007.

4X4 GROUP RESCUED FROM SNOW COVERED MOUNTAIN (Jan 04 2007 - 09:00) -- January 2, 2007 Kent-Harrison Search & Rescue were the original team called out by Police after the family reported 3 missing people. Mission Search and Rescue were called out at midnight, the night before CFV was called to assist. The 3 missing people originally went out January 1 looking for 4x4 routes they could take with their ATVs at a later time. They were in a 4x4 Jeep Cherokee. The family did not know where they were so the search started on the west side of Harrison Lake. Mission Search & Rescue had looked at all the Forest Service roads going off Sylvester Road and they needed more members to cover the territory in between. CFV was paged out to assist at 6:30 am and 3 members responded with 2 - 4x4’s. The Teams Rescue vehicle (Valley-02, see web site for picture) and a Jeep YJ. It had been raining heavy for the night and the road to Missions search base was flooded by overflowing ditches at 2 locations. Rocks had also been washed from embankments along the logging road. Missions search base had 2 large boulders on the center of the road next to it. After finishing off searching the side roads leading off Sylvester Road the Search Managers decided to search the Norris Creek Forest Service road area. At about 10:30am the search base was moved to the base of Norris Creek road. 3 vehicles (Mission-02, Valley-02 and the jeep) leapfrogged the various side roads leading off the main road, working our way to the top. The intensity of the rain increased so that every creek and river was in flood. The embankments were saturated which assisted loose rocks and soil being eroded. Above the active logging areas trees had fallen across the road. Fortunately, depending on your point of view, none were large enough to stop a 4x4 vehicle. One creek across the road was in flood which made for some anxiety for a small jeep driver. By traveling in groups of vehicles if any one vehicle ran into problems the others were close by to assist. The members in the Mission-02 vehicle found the missing people first at about 12:30pm. They had gotten above the snow line and were high centered in the deep snow. They stayed there overnight without any supplies. The 3 missing people were cold but otherwise in good condition.

BC Search and Rescue Teams Assist in Washington State Rescue (Oct 29 2006 - 10:00) -- On October 27 at 1937hrs. The Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue team (CFVSAR), based in Abbotsford, received a call from the BC Provincial Emergency Program Emergency Coordination Centre (PEP ECC) in Victoria requesting assistance in activating several BC SAR teams to assist with a rescue at the Hannigan Pass area near Mt. Baker in Washington State. Member’s of the Whatcom County Sheriffs Department, were coordinating the rescue of a female who became ill while hiking the Hannigan Pass trail, and was unable to exit the area on her own. A hiking partner hiked out and contacted the Sheriffs Department for assistance. 3 members of the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Society hiked in on Thursday evening to stabilize the female in hopes of a Friday morning airlift evacuation. Due to inclement weather throughout Friday, the air evacuation was unsuccessful and a decision was made to attempt this again for Saturday with a backup plan to evacuate by ground. Weather at the 5000-foot level, where the rescue site was located, had experienced an accumulation of approx. 4-6 inches of snow. Due to the close proximity of the rescue location to the Canadian border, an official request was made from Washington State to the BC Provincial Emergency Program Emergency Coordination Centre in Victoria to activate BC Search and Rescue teams to assist with a ground evacuation for Saturday, should weather continue to hamper the helicopter evacuation efforts. CFVSAR began coordinating resources from Chilliwack Search and Rescue, Kent Harrison Search and Rescue (Agassiz/Harrison Area), and Surrey Search and Rescue. In total 11 members from these 4 teams formed one team that travelled to the area for an early morning start under the direction of Chilliwack Search and Rescue. Early Saturday morning, BC SAR Teams met with the Whatcom County Sheriffs Department and 6 members of the Bellingham Mountain Rescue Society near the site and began planning the ground evacuation phase of the operation, should weather further hamper an airlift rescue. Due to the uncertainty of the weather, ground teams were mobilized from the trailhead of the Hannigan Pass Trail and began the difficult 7-mile hike to the rescue site. The ground teams were prepared for a rope rescue assisted stretcher carry due to the variety of terrain and complexity of the trail. At approx. noon on Saturday October 28 the weather cooperated with the rescue effort and allowed a US National Park Service contracted helicopter to access the rescue site. At roughly the same time, the ground teams had also accessed the subject and began packaging her for air transport. The female subject was loaded into the helicopter and flown to a Washington State Medical facility for treatment. Search and Rescue in BC is provided by Public Safety Lifeline Volunteers that operate under the umbrella of the BC Provincial Emergency Program. These unpaid professionals give thousands of hours of their own time training, fundraising, conducting public education sessions, and responding to tasks each year. British Columbia has developed a SAR program that is the envy of many other provinces and countries and has a volunteer base of roughly 4500 members throughout the Province.

Another Teen Goes Over Mcdonald falls (Sep 05 2006 - 11:00) -- While Search and Rescue teams were hoping for a quiet Labour Day long weekend, the silence was shattered by yet another pager call late in the afternoon of Saturday September 3. This time it would result in a return call to Macdonald Falls, the exact location of the first incident the weekend prior. On arrival, 5 Mission and 15 Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue were joined by 3 Kent Harrison Search and Rescue members (based in Agassiz and Harrison). The injured subject had suffered serious injures to his legs and possibly his spine when he too fell down Macdonald Falls. Again the Search and Rescue teams conducted a low angle rope rescue and evacuated the subject to the roadway where he was transferred to the care of the BC Ambulance Service.

CFVSAR performs two rope rescues on the same night (Aug 29 2006 - 11:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue along with Mission Search and Rescue were called out twice on Sunday night to perform rope rescues from two different waterfalls in the Mission area. The first subject in his teens suffered an injured pelvis and fractured ankle in a fall while trying to beat the heat Sunday. The rope team set up multiple rope systems to get the subject to the logging road and into the waiting ambulance. The second male was walking in the dark in an out of bounds area of Cascade Falls when he fell over a cliff next to the top pools of the waterfall. His injures required a high angle rope rescue of about 120 feet and then a stretcher carry to get the subject to the BC Ambulance Service for further treatment and transport to the hospital.

CFV SAR searches for Missing female in Surrey (Jun 16 2006 - 07:00) -- On May 31, 2006 Surrey, CFV, Ridge Meadows and Coquitlam SAR members responded to locate a 75 year old female missing from her residence in Surrey. An extensive search of the area failed to locate the subject and SAR members were stood down pending further investigation by RCMP.

ATV RIDER RESCUED IN MISSION (May 31 2006 - 07:00) -- While preparing for a training exercise CFVSAR's rope rescue team was called out to assist BCAS access an ATV rider that had fallen off a 200 foot embankment. The rider was brought to the top by Rope Team members from Mission, CFV and Chilliwack SAR teams. The subject was then flown by BC Air Ambulance to hospital with serious injuries.

SAR Team Called to Search for Male with Dimentia (May 25 2006 - 22:00) -- At 2315hrs. May 25, CFVSAR was called by the Abbotsford Police in response to a report of a missing 70 year old male in the rural northeastern portion of Abbotsford. The male had walked away from his residence approx. 1 hour before. The Abbotsford Police Department reacted promptly and contacted Fraser Valley Police Dog Services, Air 1 (RCMP Air Services), and CFVSAR within 1 hour of the man being discovered missing. At midnight the man was found by family and police walking along a road nearby the residence in which he was last seen. He was checked by BC Ambulance and released to family members at the scene.

CFVSAR Searches for Missing Male in Abbotsford (May 05 2006 - 11:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue was called by the Abbotsford Police Department to assist in a search for a missing male teenager in the Mill Lake area of Abbotsford. The police feared that he was not in a condition to take care of himself for the night. Shortly after the teams arrival on scene the subject was located several Kilometers away in fair condition.

Search for Missing Elderly Female in Surrey (Apr 20 2006 - 06:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue assisted Surrey SAR locate a missing elderly female in Surrey. She was found walking alone, disorientated and did not know how to get home. She was located at 0115 hours 06-04-20 after an extensive search and was unhurt but taken to Peace Arch Hospital as a precaution.

CFVSAR Rescues Mountain Biker on McKee Peak (Mar 23 2006 - 13:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue was called out this morning to assist BCAS rescue an injured mountain biker on McKee Peak in Abbotsford. The 23 year old mountain biker had broken his leg about 1.5 KM up the mountain. CFVSAR with the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service packaged the subject and transported him by stretcher down to the waiting Ambulance for transport to MSA Hospital.

CFVSAR assists Kent Harrison SAR with Search in Popkum (Mar 09 2006 - 07:00) -- Teams searched for a missing male that was dropped off near his residence by a friend to go for a short walk but never returned to meet his friend. Search teams covered a large acreage with some areas of sparse trees.

CFVSAR assist Mission SAR for Missing Male (Feb 27 2006 - 04:00) -- 20 members of CFVSAR assisted 6 members of Mission SAR in looking for a 39 year old male that was reported to have gone for a walk in Heritage Park in Mission. An extensive search by SAR teams, an Abbotsford Police Service Dog, and the Mission RCMP failed to turn up any sign of the man. SAR Teams were stood down pending further investigation by RCMP.

Over due group rescued from Manning Park (Feb 20 2006 - 14:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue was called along with Mission SAR, Chilliwack SAR, Kent Harrison SAR, Hope SAR and Pentiction SAR to assist locate a group from Maple Ridge that were overdue from a trip in Manning Park. Thankfully shortly after being called out the group was located by a Cormorant helicopter and extracted from the area

CFVSAR Searches for Male Near Ferry Terminal (Feb 14 2006 - 09:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue assisted Surrey SAR in the search for Anthony John (AJ) Bay, last seen in the area of the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway. CFVSAR provided shoreline searchers and a jet boat to aid in the search along with the Coast Guard hovercraft. To date the whereabouts of Mr. Bay is still unknown. Anyone who may have more information about the whereabouts of Mr. Bay is being asked to contact the Delta Police Department at 604.946.4411.

Tragic Ending to Search for Two Males at SFU. (Jan 16 2006 - 06:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue assisted Coquitlam SAR locate two males missing from the SFU Campus on Saturday. Sadly Search Members located two downed males from the RCMP Helicopter. The males were located at the bottom of a ravine from a drop of approximately 200 feet. The area was inaccessible by foot therefore a Helicopter flight rescue system (HFRS) was used to drop SAR members in and recover the bodies.

Hope Search and Rescue Truck Stolen (Jan 10 2006 - 12:00) -- On Sunday, January 8th, 2006 Hope Search and Rescue were called out to assist with a missing person file on the Coquihala Highway. They arrived at their office shortly after noon to discover someone had broken into the office. The culprits stole a couple computers and almost all of their search and rescue equipment which was loaded into one of their SAR vehicles and stolen. Chilliwack RCMP is looking for a 2000 Chevrolet four wheel drive, one ton truck, white in color with Hope SAR on the doors. BC licence plate is 8049EN. Update The vehicle was located in a Surrey subdivision on the morning of January 9th 2006. There is no apparent damage to the vehicle. However, all of the “jaws” rescue equipment has been stolen. This equipment is valued at about $75,000.00. The following items were stolen; HOLMATRO 100 Hosereel HOLMATRO Rescue Pump HOLMATRO 32 Spreader HOLMATRO Line Splitter HOLMATRO S&R Cutters This equipment is used to save lives, the loss to the Community and Public goes far beyond the dollar value. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crimestoppers @ 1800 222 TIPS or the Hope RCMP at (604)869-7750. (taken from www.rcmp-bcmedia.ca)

CFVSAR Assists Coroner (Jan 09 2006 - 13:00) -- Central Fraser Valley SAR Members were called out to assist the Abbotsford Police and the BC Coroners office recover a body in a water filled ditch on Thursday afternoon. CFV Search and Rescue’s Swiftwater team recovered the body and passed it over the Coroner.

Flare Sightings Cause SAR Callout (Dec 27 2005 - 01:00) -- 4 separate calls were made to the Abbotsford Police Department regarding multiple flare sightings in northwest Abbotsford, near the Fraser River. A CFVSAR boat team with the assistance of a handheld Thermal Imaging camera from the Abbotsford Police Department conducted a search of the suspected area of origin on the Fraser from the Mission Bridge to the western tip of Crescent Island. Using the Thermal Imager greatly decreased the time to conduct this search and augmented the high power lights on the boat quite nicely. There was no sign of persons or vessels in distress, nor were any reports received from other police agencies or the Rescue Corridination Centre. The search was stood down while police continued their investigation.

Swiftwater Rescue Team Called To Fraser River (Dec 20 2005 - 08:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Swift Water Rescue team was called out on Saturday afternoon to search for an ultralite. A witness reported that the aircraft had crashed North of Langley into the Fraser River just West of Crescent Island. After further investigation by SAR teams and the RCMP it was determined that the crash likely did not happen as no debris was found and there had been no report of any missing aircraft.

Members participate in Hover Exit Training. (Dec 16 2005 - 13:00) -- Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue Members took part in a Hover Exit training course over the weekend. The purpose of this course is to the train the members in exiting and boarding a hovering helicopter using safe exiting and boarding manoeuvres. This is one of the many courses required by Search and Rescue Volunteers to maintain the skills needed for searching and recovering missing persons. For photos of the training please check out our Gallery page under "About"

SAR Dogs (Dec 01 2005 - 21:00) -- CFVSAR fields many questions regarding the use of dogs in SAR. Many of these inquiries come from people who are interested in becoming SAR dog handlers. CFVSAR does not currently have any SAR Dog Teams in our membership. Anyone interested in becoming a SAR Dog Handler must also be a member of a recognized Provincial Emergency Program SAR team and have a dog that is certified/validated thru the RCMP Police Dog Services. CFVSAR utilizes Police Service Dogs first prior to civilian SAR dog teams. Being a SAR Dog Handler on a Ground SAR Team is challenging work that is done in addition to your regular responsibilities with the team. For more info check out the BC SAR Dog Association website http://www.bcsearchdog.org/index.html

CFVSAR Searches for Missing Male in Langley (Dec 01 2005 - 06:00) -- At approximately 21:00 on November 30 CFVSAR was called out by the Langley RCMP to search for a missing 74 year old Alzheimers subject. He was not familiar with the area and lives in White Rock. Due to the very cold temperatures that night search teams were quickly deployed into the area. The subject was located a short time later disorented, but in good condition trying to walk to his residence.

CFVSAR assists with search on Sunshine Coast (Dec 01 2005 - 06:00) -- On November 29-Dec 1 Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue were called to assist Sunshine Coast SAR search for a missing eighty year old female. Ground search teams made use of type two and type three search techniques to help locate the missing woman. Steep slopes, fresh snowfall and rough terrain made ground searching very difficult. To aid the searchers there were two helicopters as well as four RCMP dog teams. Due to the dangerous terrain in the area all searching was called off at twilight. Unfortunately, there is still no trace of the missing woman.

CFVSAR Member Becomes a SAR Manager (Nov 20 2005 - 23:00) -- Congratulations to Terri-Lou who attended and succesfully completed the 4 day (long days) Provincial SAR Manager course offered by PEP and the taught by the Justice Institute of BC. Well Done TL!!

CFVSAR Hears from Canada Task Force 1 about Hurricane Katrina (Nov 07 2005 - 23:00) -- On November 8, 2005, members of CFVSAR along with our neighbouring teams (Surrey, Ridge Meadows, Mission, CHilliwack and Kent Harrison SAR) enjoyed a presentation by Brian Inglis of the Canada Task Force 1 - (Vancouver Heavy Urban SAR Team). The presentation was on the team's recent deployment and experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.