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Denis Maurice receives 2002 Certificate of Achievement in Search and Rescue

Denis Maurice, a search and rescue volunteer with Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue for many years, received a Certificate of Achievement on September 14th in Halifax at SARSCENE, the annual search and rescue workshop sponsored by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS).

Mr. Maurice, who lives in the Georgian Bay area in Ontario, was a volunteer firefighter who became interested in search and rescue (SAR) in 1997. Because there was no SAR team in the area, he founded Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue and developed a strict training curriculum, policies and standard operating guidelines for the team. Mr. Maurice has also implemented the Hug-a-Tree and Kids' Prints programs in the area.

The Certificate of Achievement is one of five given this year by the NSS in recognition of the dedication and professionalism of SAR providers across the country.

NSS Executive Director, Jean Murray said that "Mr. Maurice has established an excellent and professional relationship between the Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue team and the Ontario Provincial Police resulting in lifesaving successes." Mr. Kevin O'Hara, who nominated Mr. Maurice, commented that "Due, not only to his vision but acting on his vision, Central Region now has the search and rescue coverage that was needed."

Other Certificates of Achievement will be presented to Corporal Jim Galloway (RCMP), Sherwood Park, Alberta; Tim Jones (North Shore Rescue Team), North Vancouver, British Columbia; Eric Langley (Cape Breton Search and Rescue Team), Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Robert Petitpas (Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary), Sorel, Quebec.

John Kelly of Winnipeg, Manitoba, National Administrator of the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, received the 2002 Outstanding SAR Achievement Award for his lifetime career in SAR during which he not only saved numerous lives putting himself at risk, but provided SAR training to thousands of military and civilian SAR workers.

The NSS is an independent agency of the federal government, created in 1986, which works with all levels of government, police and emergency services, and volunteers to manage and improve search and rescue activities throughout Canada.