Wells Gray Search and Rescue held a very successful annual general meeting on Oct. 25 at its headquarters at 36 Old North Thompson Highway East (next to the trout hatchery). A total of 19 people attended including 16 members and three interested parties. After a brief general meeting treasurer Les Sakals delivered his report of society in good financial health. The election of officers was held with incumbents Rowena Volkers, Les Sakals, Fred Erler and Gord Dubois retaining their executive positions. Ryan McLarty took over the reins as president from Gretchen Reveille who was thanked for her three years of excellent work in the position. New to the board is vice-president Gy Ovenden who will replace Roger Powell. Roger is relocating to Cranbrook and will be sorely missed by his SAR teammates. Riel MacBoudreau replaces Paul Robinson as training officer and Kevin Deckert and Phillip Butcher replace Ryan McLarty and Sharon Dhillon as directors. Outgoing executives were thanked for their dedication and commitment.
Following the election awards were handed out including service pins of 25 years to Les Sakals and Kevin Deckert, 15 years to Fred Erler, 10 years to Tom Volkers and Ryan McLarty and five years to Gretchen Reveille and Gord Dubois. Robert Beaudry is to receive a 15-year service pin and Julie Campbell a 10-year pin.
A social was held after the awards as members toasted a successful year and look forward to facing another year of challenges with a strong and robust organization.
Wells Gray SAR always welcomes prospective members and has positions for people with a variety of skills and fitness levels. Interested parties are invited to attend training sessions on the first and third Mondays of each month at WGSAR HQ.