As we look back on 2024, Saskatoon Search and Rescue (SSAR) celebrates a year of dedication, teamwork, and impact. From tackling a range of challenging rescues to supporting community safety, our team has been there when help was needed. This report offers a snapshot of our key moments, partnerships, and the incredible efforts of our volunteers who make everything possible. We’re grateful for the support of our community and partners, and we’re excited to keep building on our goals and our commitment to being a leading search and rescue organization.
ACTIVATIONS
In 2024, SSAR's 43 search-ready members responded to 13 missing person activations involving 17 individuals, participated in three evidence searches, and were on standby to assist in one weather-related event.
"Thank you for your role in the search when I was lost in the bush. I am glad to be found and alive.” – missing mushroom picker
People becoming lost after abandoning their vehicles was a significant concern this year. The AdventureSmart program emphasizes the importance of staying put if you become lost while recreating outdoors. This advice also applies if your vehicle gets stuck or runs out of fuel. Vehicles are much easier to find than individuals. In every case, the vehicle was located before the lost person or persons.
“I spent two wet nights alone in the forest of Prince Albert National Park. The skies were overcast and damp with no navigation clues from the sun, moon, or stars. Even though I was only about 600m from a road, I was very, very lost. Fortunately, we have a great team of search and rescue people and resources. They jumped into action immediately. Many were volunteers who gave up their normal routine to join in the search . . . Thank you isn’t enough; but THANK YOU! - Lost Hiker
The above hiker was assisted to safety thanks to a flare dropped from a Hercules aircraft. This photo of the flare lighting up the sky is courtesy of David Quiring who was in the area at the time.
Members were challenged more than usual this year to persevere through tough terrain (think very thick bush!) and a lot of rainy and muddy conditions!
Whenever we get home after a search, members who were unable to attend meet the returning searchers at our hall to take over drying and re-packing gear, cleaning and reorganizing the truck, and many other tasks that must happen to ensure we are ready for the next activation.
And search dog Jenga gets a much-needed bath and brushing from her handler.
TRAINING
In January 2024, we hosted several Prospective Members Meetings to provide information about the role and expectations of being a member of SSAR.
After several intensive months, we had nine new members become fully certified searchers. The Searcher course follows national CSA standards in addition to topics specific to our team such as setting up the command post and repeater trailers, truck and trailer driver training, near water search, CalTopo mapping, and certifying as Project Lifesaver Electronic Search Specialists.
In a city with a big river running through it and in a province filled with lakes and rivers, it’s important that we’re able to search these types of environments.
We focus on how to do this safely, searching the side of the river we are on and spotting across to the opposite side. Learning about the gear that’s worn, how and when to use it, and practicing in a realistic scenario with someone actually in the water is invaluable. We are grateful to have the beautiful Meewasin Valley and riverbank to practice on.
In addition to map, compass and GPS navigation skills, our team continues to integrate CalTopo mapping into all our training and activations.
This is vital in knowing where members are at any given time during a search and being able to provide our agencies having jurisdiction with a clear picture of areas that have been searched.
Anyone who has ever tried learning how to back up a vehicle with a large (or small) trailer attached to it, knows how difficult it is to master!
This training includes pre and post-mission inspection checklists to confirm everything is working or set up properly and that any deficiencies get addressed immediately.
Having members with the proven skills to safely drive the truck and maneuver the trailers ensures we can all go out on searches, day or night.
Setting up the inside of the command post and putting up the antenna in a suitable location are also important skills for all our members to be quick and proficient at.
We emphasize note taking as an essential skill for SSAR members to ensure accurate documentation, effective communication, and operational efficiency.
After each activation, member notes are forwarded to the agency having jurisdiction to be included in their investigative file.
Our Rapid Response and Wilderness First Responder Teams continue to work on developing processes that ensure a faster, subject-focused response and enhancing skills that help bridge the gap between remote first aid and more advanced care.
A highlight of this year was the opportunity to train in the University of Saskatchewan's Clinical Learning Resource Centre’s (CLRC) state-of-the-art simulation lab. Using the CLRC’s high-fidelity manikins, our members faced three challenging scenarios that required them to administer medical care, package a patient, and develop a detailed extrication plan. Each scenario was intentionally designed to push teams outside their comfort zones and test their skills under pressure.
The evening offered invaluable learning experiences, simulating high-stress situations in a safe and supportive environment. Members sharpened their medical and communication skills while becoming more resourceful with the equipment in their packs.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the facilitators, live subject, simulation lab staff, and managers at the University of Saskatchewan for providing us with this rare and transformative training opportunity!
We are grateful to Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV) for providing additional training for SAR teams throughout the province.
In 2024, we had nine members newly certified or re-certified as instructors for Searcher level training, five as instructors for Team Leader level training, and five members newly certified or re-certified as Search and Rescue Managers.
Our Search and Rescue Managers participated in Search Manager forums hosted by SARSAV, where managers from various teams and agencies collaborated to improve the effective and efficient management of complex search operations.
Several members attended the Multi-Jurisdictional Search Exercise, which provided opportunities for collaboration and enhancement of skills across agencies.
SSAR members learned a lot, taking part in two mass casualty training events: one at the University of Saskatchewan and one at the Saskatoon Airport.
One of our members attended a Cyber Workshop - Build a "Cyber Response Playbook" hosted by the City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization and the Critical Infrastructure Advisory Network (CIAN).
All of our members took anti-harassment training for non-profits; and several Board members attended workshops on strategic planning, budgeting, accounting, and governance for non-profits.
Erika Quiring and K9 Hawk continue to travel to Edmonton on a regular basis to train with the Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta (SARDAA) in the Human Remains Detection profile. They will be able to be activated after evaluation by the Edmonton Police Service in the spring of 2025.
This K9 team logged over 450 hours in training in 2024, including water/shoreline search training, a human remains detection clinic, and for fun, a stock dog clinic and several obedience classes and trials.
Kate Dean and K9 Jenga have had a busy year! They re-certified in wilderness and urban search profiles, making this Jenga's 6th year as a certified search and rescue dog.
This year was also Jenga's first activation through Parks Canada. The terrain in Prince Albert National Park is the perfect example of where a dog like Jenga excels; thick bush, significant deadfall, and boggy terrain.
In October, Kate and Jenga travelled to a training facility called "Crisis City" near Salina, Kansas, where Jenga's skills were put to the test on piles of rubble, collapsed buildings, and crushed vehicles. They were fortunate to work alongside and learn from American Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) team members, many of whom had just returned from deployments following Hurricane Helene. Jenga worked exceptionally well and both dog and handler came home tired!
HUMANITARIAN WORKFORCE
The Ground Search and Rescue Humanitarian Workforce (GSAR HWF), an initiative of Search and Rescue Volunteers Association of Canada (SARVAC), with funding from Public Safety Canada, has been developed to mobilize GSAR volunteers from across Canada when local resources are overwhelmed by natural or man-made disaster.
HWF photos courtesy of SARVAC's Humanitarian Workforce.
SSAR member Daryll Sewell was one of two people representing Saskatchewan at a Train the Trainer session in Toronto in March 2024. In October, he and Scott Wright, along with other SK representatives and 100 GSAR members from across Canada, travelled to Ottawa to attend a full scale exercise of all phases of a HWF activation.
The scenario was to provide disaster relief in response to a powerful hurricane and an unexpected tornado that struck the region. Daryll was assistant lead evaluator for the exercise and Scott was the liaison to local, provincial and federal officials who were invited to observe and learn more about HWF and its capabilities. Scott has also played a large role in the HWF coming to fruition!
Another aspect of HWF is peer support. Sean Taylor was chosen to be part of the HWF Peer Mental Health Support team and attended courses to provide individual and group crisis intervention services. The team meets regularly for ongoing training.
PROJECT LIFESAVER SASKATOON
“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making us feel safe during those 5 years that (our son) was wearing the transmitter on his arm. Words aren't enough to say how grateful we are knowing that we have a team of dedicated and caring people in orange that we can rely on when that dreaded thing happens. (Our son) knows to be thankful and to acknowledge your presence on events that we go to like the Labour Day fireworks or the Santa's Parade. He calls you out wherever he sees SSAR Team. He knows that Saskatoon Search and Rescue is a big part of our lives.” – Mom whose son has thankfully outgrown his wandering tendencies
SSAR has operated the Project Lifesaver program in Saskatoon since 2018. The program is designed to quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the potentially life-threatening behaviour of wandering.
Participants in the Project Lifesaver program wear a band on their wrist or ankle that emits an individualized radio-frequency signal.
If a participant wanders, SSAR members trained as Electronic Search Specialists enter the frequency into a receiver and use the signal to search for and locate the missing person.
Project Lifesaver International recently produced this "Cosmo and Lincoln" video and a really fun song to tell children about Project Lifesaver. It was a highlight for us to see several of our training photos used in the video!
At the end of 2024, Project Lifesaver Saskatoon had 47 active clients.
- 34 youth as young as three years old, diagnosed with autism or Down Syndrome.
- 9 individuals who face challenges associated with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other related cognitive impairments.
- 4 individuals who have an acquired brain injury.
Many of our referrals to the Project Lifesaver program come from members of the Saskatoon Police Service, Autism Services, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, social workers, teachers or other school staff, the Open Door Society and Global Gathering Place.
For many families, the first question is, "How much does this cost?" Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community sponsors and supporters, we are proud to provide this service to families with vulnerable loved ones entirely free of charge. For reference, each transmitter with a one year supply of batteries and bands is ~$500 Canadian.
Since its inception, 126 Saskatoon families have been given peace of mind that there is a backup in place and our members can respond quickly in the event their loved one wanders.
Nine new SSAR members earned certification as Project Lifesaver Electronic Search Specialists, demonstrating their proficiency with receivers and equipment. All members must renew this certification biannually, emphasizing our commitment to ongoing training and expertise.
If you have a loved one who wanders due to a cognitive disorder, visit https://projectlifesaversaskatoon.org, or contact us at projectlifesaversaskatoon@gmail.com.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Our Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) team had a record-setting year with 19 AdventureSmart presentations to more than 500 kids and group leaders. Hug-A-Tree and Survive, followed by Survive Outside are the most popular presentations.
Did you know? If a child becomes lost in the woods, hugging a tree can help keep them safe and increase their chances of being found. Staying near a tree provides some protection from the elements and ensures they remain in one place, making it easier for searchers to locate them.
To request a Hug-a-Tree and Survive, Survive Outside, or other AdventureSmart presentation, go to www.adventuresmart.ca
Preventative SAR education is also done with informative displays such as our booth at the Banff Mountain Film Festival tour or the Saskatoon Police Community Barbecue.
SSAR members support our community in many different ways.
Manning a water station during the run portion of the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival is a great opportunity for us to support our fellow first responders from the Saskatoon Police Service, Saskatoon Fire Department and Medavie Health Services West.
Our team was well represented at the 2024 Remembrance Day Ceremony.
"To those who gave everything, and to those who carry the weight of their sacrifice, we honor you. We remember."
We helped Santa and Mrs. Claus keep everyone safe and provided communication support at the annual Santa Claus Parade.
SSAR is also a critical infrastructure partner with Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) and many other organizations to address emergency community issues such as extreme heat and cold weather response, storms and flooding situations.
Team members donated warm clothing and blankets to distribute to those in need during a very cold winter!
SPONSORS, DONORS, SUPPORTERS
Our vision has always been to build a sustainable, volunteer-driven charitable organization with stable funding and an engaged membership.
While we remain dedicated to activations, training, administration, and community outreach, achieving this vision wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable support of businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in our mission.
Thank you to everyone who supported Saskatoon Search and Rescue in 2024 — your generosity enables us to continue serving our community with excellence and care!
We are thankful to community event organizers for providing us the opportunity to apply our first aid, communication and organizational skills while supporting their events. We appreciate the honorariums received that help sustain our annual fundraising efforts. In 2024, these included:
- Canada Day Festivities
- Fireworks Festival
- Saskatchewan Marathon
- Saskatoon Triathlon Club Duathlon
- U of S Huskie Football Games
- Santa Claus Parade
The Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation (DDCDC) has been a steadfast supporter of Saskatoon Search and Rescue.
This year, in partnership with the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV), we were thrilled to receive funding to produce additional AdventureSmart coloring books in the Indigenous languages of Dené, Michif, Saulteaux, and Cree (Y and TH dialects).
These books will be distributed by SAR teams across the province during AdventureSmart presentations.
We are grateful to SaskTel and the TelCare program for their donation, which allowed us to purchase a vacuum mattress and splints to enhance our First Responder Team's capabilities.
Yardi Canada's generous support helps us meet critical training and equipment needs.
The Saskatoon Police Service's annual honorarium contributes to essential training and equipment, while the Saskatoon Police Association's annual donation covers a significant portion of the batteries and bands needed for the Project Lifesaver program.
The City of Saskatoon provides office and storage space and a warm place to house our truck and trailers at the Fire Inspection Station on York Avenue. We appreciate the Saskatoon Fire Department for graciously sharing their space with us.
RBC employees joined us on three occasions, serving as "lost subjects" for medical scenarios and K9 searches while gaining a deeper understanding of our work. Each visit was accompanied by a generous donation through RBC's Communities Together Fund, which enabled us to purchase Ready Heat blankets for every team member, a First Responder medical bag, an iPad, and contributed to the printing of AdventureSmart Indigenous coloring books.
We were honored to be one of 65 organizations selected to receive a Nutrien 65 Year Legacy Grant through their "Building Stronger Communities Together" fund, in partnership with the Saskatoon Community Foundation.
This generous support will enable us to upgrade the technology in our command post, including laptop replacements and enhanced display systems. These improvements will significantly boost our efficiency and strengthen our capabilities as a search and rescue team!
A big thank you to GT Performance who will be ensuring our command post and logistics trailers receive annual maintenance, keeping us road-ready for every mission.
We’re incredibly grateful to the employers who support our members by allowing time off for activations, adjusting work schedules for training, and even matching employee donations, as Nutrien does.
Additionally, we’ve received generous contributions of donations and/or equipment from:
- Affinity Credit Union - Community Spirit Fund
- St. Martin's United Church - "Change for Change" collection
- Costco
- Banana Republic and The Gap
- BrightSource (via SARSAV)
- Saskatchewan's Civil Forfeiture Program (via SARSAV)
Don’t forget—you can support us at SARCAN by entering the code "SSAR" when returning your refundables at any "Drop & Go" location!
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival at the Broadway Theatre is our major fundraising event of the year and wouldn't be possible without generous sponsors, many of whom have donated every year since we started hosting it in 2018.
SAVE THE DATE of the next VIMFF, 7 pm, April 28, 2025, at the Broadway Theatre.
Last, but certainly not least . . . Thank you to all the incredible individuals who donate to SSAR. Whether you’re supporting Project Lifesaver, contributing through a matching donation at our showing of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF), or giving simply because you believe in our mission, your generosity inspires us. We are truly humbled and grateful for your support.
We also want to recognize our own members, who not only volunteer their time and skills but often contribute financially to help keep our team operational. Your dedication is the backbone of SSAR, and we couldn’t do this without you.
BEYOND THE FIELD
SSAR's mission and vision extend far beyond training and fieldwork. Alongside activations and training, our members dedicate countless hours to administration, logistics, equipment maintenance, chapter and provincial meetings, AdventureSmart programs, fundraising, and community events.
In late 2023, a dedicated working group was established to develop an updated Strategic Plan to guide SSAR’s actions in the years ahead. Grounded in the Chapter’s mission, vision, and values—including community service, respect, competence, collaboration, leadership, innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness—the Plan integrates feedback from stakeholders, partners, the Board, and members, as well as insights from an environmental scan. The Board will regularly review elements of the Plan to shape priorities and determine next steps.
The Operations Committee, serving as an advisory body to the SSAR Board of Directors, meets three to four times annually to support and enhance operational effectiveness. Its primary role is to assess SSAR’s performance during activations for missing persons and non-search emergencies. Based on these evaluations, the committee provides recommendations to the Board regarding resource allocation, training opportunities, and updates to activation and field procedures, all aimed at improving the organization's overall efficiency and readiness.
We are especially grateful for our support members, whose invaluable contributions in non-search and administrative roles help keep our organization running smoothly. For example:
- Assisting with battery changes and client intake for the Project Lifesaver Program.
- Pulling together all the information from in-person discussions and survey results to write our Strategic Plan.
- Ensuring hour logs are up to date and verified in Volunteer Rescue.
- Administrative duties after search activations - submitting member notes to our agencies of jurisdiction, filling out post-activation reports and other required documentation.
- Writing grant applications for equipment funding.
- Helping organize the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Tour -- our major fundraising event of the year!
- Sending out year-end thank you cards to all our sponsors and supporters.
- Writing this Year In Review report that you're reading right now!
- And much more!
We are proud to have members actively representing search and rescue at both provincial and national levels. Dustin Cometa, Kate Dean, and Lavan Thirukeetheesawaranathan serve on the Board of Directors for the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV).
Meanwhile, Scott Wright, as the past President of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC), continues to contribute as a non-voting member of the SARVAC Executive and Board.
Kate also represents our province on the SARVAC Canine Standards Committee for the development of core competencies.
Our social media presence continues to grow as we showcase our training and activations, highlight our sponsors and supporters, and share valuable education on missing persons, emergency preparedness, and outdoor safety.
We were honored to be featured on the YXE Underground podcast, where host Eric Anderson beautifully captured the human and personal side of our team, offering an in-depth look at who we are and what we do.
Thank you to all members who took on formal roles within the organization.
- President – Carla Eager
- Vice President – Andrew Forsberg
- Treasurer – Carrie Hildebrand
- Secretary – Mark Wells
- Training Director – Shannon Simonson
- Membership Director – Kate Badrock
- Communications Director – Katie Willie
- Logistics Director – Chuck Ingerman
- Fundraising Director – Sean Taylor
- Preventative SAR Director – Brian Fehr
- Project Lifesaver Director – Sherri Denis
- Director at Large - Chantal Di Placido
Thank you to our members who so generously provided photographs for this Year in Review. The vast majority were taken by Sean Taylor, with contributions from Kate Dean, Andrew Forsberg, Erin Dueck, Roger deWeerd, Katie Willie and Shelley Ballard-McKinlay.