If you’re lost or injured in the backcountry, they’ll do everything they can to come and rescue you.
It’s what every recreator in Squamish knows about the local Search and Rescue (SSAR) team and a service that no one takes for granted.
Earlier this month, 10 local SSAR volunteers were reminded of their immense value to the community after they were awarded the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.
Thirty thousand medals were awarded to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada, 17 of which went to Sea to Sky locals.
The 10 SSAR members awarded the medals were; Tyler Duncan, Landon James, William (BJ) Chute, John Howe, Susan Nicholson, Craig Oliver, Raz Peel, David Thanh, John Willcox and Douglas Woods.
“It's pretty spectacular. It's quite humbling to volunteer on a team with these folks. Every day, I'm reminded how accomplished everybody is and yet how soft spoken and humble they are,” SSAR president Cam Stuart told The Squamish Chief.
“It speaks volumes to the team, to have been awarded 10 of 17 of those. It's just a really great recognition of public service and volunteers and sort of giving back to the community.”
Stuart said the 10 volunteers were all part of their active members category.
“I believe all of the members that were awarded the medal are or were on our active membership. So these are the folks that are out and in the field, supporting the people that we're searching for or rescuing day to day,” he said.
Collectively, the group of award winners has volunteered 167 years of service to SSAR.
“They're contributing a ton across the entire organization. So it can be anything from stocking the shelves to making sure that we've got water for volunteers to go out, to carrying stretchers down the trail, to hanging out of helicopters, to showing up on Thursday evenings for a board meeting and kind of shaping the society,” Stuart said.
“Honestly, it's a real privilege to volunteer alongside these folks. And I think that these medals really exemplify the dedication of our members and really reflect such a strong sense of community that we have within our team, but also just in Squamish in general.”
The decision process
Deciding who would be awarded the 17 medals within the Sea to Sky region fell to West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler.
According to the Government of Canada website, candidates for the medal “must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.”
Weiler said that he was incredibly proud to recognize the individuals within the riding who were chosen for a medal.
“This medal celebrates the values of dedication, service, and community—qualities that were reflected in every single nomination we received,” Weiler said.
“Choosing just 17 recipients was no easy task as every nomination reflected deep commitment and remarkable contributions. All the submissions we received told stories of someone making a difference in areas ranging from health care to the arts, from philanthropy to public service.”
He noted that he was especially proud to highlight the 10 SSAR members who received the medals.
“Out of more than 100 active volunteers, these individuals stood out for the number of emergency responses they’ve attended and the depth of their commitment to service,” he said.
“Whether it’s a rescue in the backcountry or volunteering in other parts of the community, these are people who show up when it matters most and often in incredibly challenging conditions.
“Recognizing them is not just fitting, it’s deeply deserved. We’re lucky to live in a place where so many people step up to serve—whether in public health, the arts, education, or search and rescue. The Coronation Medal is a celebration of that spirit."
Winners will be awarded their physical medal in September at an official ceremony to be determined at a later date.
Visit the Squamish Search and Rescue website to learn more about what the organization does and how you can become a volunteer.
