If it weren’t for COVID-19, Squamish Search and Rescue (SSAR) volunteers would have celebrated their twice-annual awards at uniquely Squamish shindigs, but like so many other organizations this year, SAR had to adjust its 2020 plans.
“It would have been nice to be able to have a social gathering like we would normally, but with COVID it was the only option,” said Jacki Willcox, the membership chair on the SSAR board of directors.
SAR manager B.J. Chute said they normally have a big event in the summer where members bring their families and have a barbeque.
“It means a lot for members to be recognized in front of their peers and I think it holds a lot more weight to be able to recognize them in person,” said Willcox.
Normally, the Long Service awards are held at a summer party, and the Recognition Awards are held at the Christmas party, but this year they were combined at an online townhall via Google Meet on Dec. 8.
Four SSAR team members were recognized for the Long Service Award for their 15 years of commitment; Michelle Bech, Katy Chambers, Martin Fitchl and Malcom Schulz were all recognized for their commitment to the SSAR.
Tyler Duncan was also recognized for the Five-year Award.
The Recognition Awards are membership-nominated awards given to volunteers by their peers to those who have gone above and beyond.
Eight members won this year’s Recognition Awards.
Stephan Peters won for pushing advanced medical options and becoming a SAR manager.
Jacob Lagercrantz was honoured for his set up of SARTopo and Caltop tool, and for training the team on how to use them effectively.
Chute nabbed a nod for his work around COVID-19 videos helping source gear and taking on extra managerial work.
Chris Welsh won for the amount of work he put in this year and his crucial role in the SSAR.
Cindy Welsh was recognized for taking on two roles within the organization and being the link between its components.
Nils Robinson garnered an honour for his commitment to training, tasks and the IS/IT portfolio.
Landon James was recognized for his COVID-19 preparedness work and for the organization of the Darcy Wild search.
Alex Deslauriers took home an honour for taking on the new MIT intake and training.
There were also awards given for those who made the SSAR function behind the scenes in the form of the Logistics Awards. There were three winners: Liz de Bosscher for her leadership skills and critical thinking as well as for her planning of the Pemberton Search; David Thahn for taking on the logistics section chief role in the Wild search, and Alena Prchalova for turning her free time into volunteer hours for the SSAR as well as for her weekly ordering and collecting of supplies.
To compensate for not having the usual in-person gathering, the winners were also presented their awards in-person with Christmas gifts at a drive-through event, held on Dec. 15.
