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Robert Petitpas receives 2002 Certificate of Achievement in Search and Rescue

Robert Petitpas, President of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Quebec), was awarded 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). Although Mr. Petitpas was unable to attend the awards banquet, he received his certificate at a special ceremony in Ottawa on December 12, 2002.

Mr. Petitpas, who has lives in Sorel, Quebec, has spent his life dedicated to volunteer marine search and rescue (SAR) and has worked closely with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA), the Canadian Safe Boating Council, the St. Lawrence Waterway Committee, the Management Committee on the Pleasure Craft Operator's Card and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron throughout his career.

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. Petitpas should be commended for his tremendous efforts organizing the excellent and educational SAR demonstration cruise at SARSCENE 2000 in Laval, Quebec, and for his groundbreaking work planning the first ever national Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary competition also in Laval in 2000." Ms. Monique Parent, who nominated Mr. Petitpas, commented that "Mr. Petitpas gives 100% of himself to his causes but still always has time to lend an ear to those in need, be they les Petits Frères des Pauvres or a zone director of the CCGA." Mr. Petitpas was awarded the 2001 Safe Boater of the Year award by the Canadian Safe Boating Council and a Medal for Leadership by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary this year.

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; Denis Maurice (Georgian Bay SAR), Georgian Bay, Ontario; and Eric Langley (Cape Breton Search and Rescue Team) Sydney, Nova Scotia.

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.