If you ask the volunteers with Moose Jaw Search and Rescue (MJSAR) what they enjoy about the organization, most will say interacting with people and serving the community.
Tami MacNevin became a member four years ago because she was always interested in the outdoors — such as camping, fishing and hiking — and aspects of criminal justice.
Working on preventative search and rescue techniques and saving lives before they’re in danger is what MacNevin enjoys the most, she explained. This mostly involves speaking to students at schools — she has overcome her fears of public speaking by doing this — and teaching them what to do if they are lost.
For example, she shows them how to wrap themselves in an emergency blanket and teaches them how to build nests on the ground to stay warm. She also ensures they feel more confident should they get lost.
“We teach them that we’re not scary even though they think we’re scary,” she said on Oct. 3 during MJSAR’s open house at the South Hill Fire Hall. “We’re loud when we’re out there looking for them … .”
MacNevin has received calls from parents after her presentations, who say they want her to visit another school where their other child is. She has also received calls to give presentations to Girl Guide camps because of previous talks to students.
MacNevin keeps her SAR backpack in her vehicle whenever she goes to work in case she receives a search callout. While her employer usually needs her at work, there are some occasions when she receives a callout notice and is allowed to attend the search.
“… With the searches, you know you’re making a difference for someone’s family,” she added. “However, it still can (also) be the worst day of their lives,” she added.
Jerry Sushelniski, lead instructor and team leader, has been with the group for 21 years. He served in the Canadian military for 30 years, and after retirement, decided he wanted to do something for the community. He used to be a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) who gave orders, but as a volunteer SAR member, he laughed that he can now only ask for permission while in the field.
“I can’t demand anything unless it’s going to affect your life or endanger the team’s life,” he said. “I only ask, ‘Can you?’ ‘Please?’ So it’s a totally different concept when I took that uniform off and put this uniform on.”
Search and rescue teams are important since they provide additional bodies on searches, Sushelniski said. With police forces across the province lacking in manpower, there have been some searches where there have been two police officers on duty and eight SAR members providing backup.
Sushelniski enjoys working with and teaching SAR members, including ensuring they know what they are doing. He pointed out there is never a stupid question; it’s his job to answer those types of queries.
It’s important to be knowledgeable about the role since there will be people during a search who look to SAR members to see if they’re professional, know what to do and are performing well in the field, Sushelniski remarked. That is why one of his favourite activities is map and compass work.
“You have to know where you are at any time … ,” he added. “You can be out in the middle of nowhere. Command can call you up and ask, ‘Where are ya?’ and I will tell you exactly where I am using my map and compass.”
Anyone interested in joining the organization can visit www.mjsar.ca or its Facebook page.
