[Wards Creek] – A coordinated search and rescue effort successfully located a 61-year-old woman and her K9 companion after a multi-agency response spanning more than 24 hours. The search, conducted by 7 volunteer Search and Rescue teams, alongside RCMP, local fire departments, and community members, ended on a positive note when the woman was found safe and returned to her family.
Search teams mobilized after receiving a call on Saturday October 5th, with search and rescue volunteers working tirelessly alongside public safety agencies to cover a challenging area. The search area posed significant obstacles, including dense terrain and inclement weather, but the efforts were bolstered by the strong collaboration between all involved.
“Every successful search like this is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our volunteers and the essential cooperation of all agencies involved,” said Bradley Parker, President of the New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association (NBGSARA). “From the first call to the final outcome, this was a true community effort, with individuals giving their time and skills to help bring someone’s loved one home safely.”
The 9 teams represented by NBGSARA are entirely volunteer-driven nonprofits, with teams of trained professionals ready to respond at a moment’s notice. “The resources deployed in this search, including ground teams, K9 units, and aerial support, highlight the immense operational requirements involved. It’s efforts like this that underline why sustained support is critical to ensuring our teams remain equipped and prepared to respond,” Parker added.
The organization’s ongoing work depends on both community support and partnership with local authorities. “Our volunteers answer the call in the toughest of circumstances, and while the outcome today was positive, we need continued resources to maintain that readiness. This search shows the vital role we play in ensuring public safety and why we need partnerships and support to continue providing these essential services.”
With many successful searches and rescues every year, NBGSARA and its member teams continue to rely on the generosity of community members, businesses, and governments to maintain operations and training. The collaborative spirit demonstrated in this search serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when organizations and individuals come together for the greater good.
For more information or to learn how you can support NBGSARA, visit sarnbres.ca or contact your local team.
About New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association NBGSARA is a volunteer-based nonprofit, representing and supporting the volunteer teams who provide essential search and rescue services across New Brunswick. Comprised of highly trained individuals, the teams respond to various emergencies, from missing persons to natural disasters. The organization works in collaboration with local emergency services, law enforcement, and community groups to ensure the safety of those in need.
Many thanks to all the groups involved, including:
Greater Fundy Ground Search And Rescue
River Valley Ground Search and Rescue
Tri-County Ground Search and Rescue NB
York Sunbury Search and Rescue (YSSR)
Miramichi Ground Search and Rescue
Carleton Ground Search and Rescue Inc.
Charlotte County Ground Search & Rescue.
NBEMO – OMUNB RPAS
Royal Canadian Mounted Police in New Brunswick RPAS, PDS
Royal Canadian Air Force 413 Squadron / JRCC Halifax / CASARA_National
Local community members, including the Wards Creek Mennonites
Government of New Brunswick RadCom Branch and Offroad Units
Ambulance New Brunswick