The Coquitlam Search and Rescue Society (Coq SAR) is on a recruitment drive and is looking for a dozen or so eager, committed and healthily individuals over the age of 19. Contacting the local media is the first step in a multi step process that Coq SAR goes through to recruit members. Along with contacting the media Coq SAR will place notices with various hiking clubs and outdoor stores. “We are looking for individuals who already spend their leisure time in the outdoors”, explains Dr. Ian MacDonald, Coq SAR member responsible for the membership drive. “We have noticed a greater commitment to the team from these individuals and they tend to stay on the team longer and that is important to us.”

In the second step Coq SAR hosts an informational session. This session is open to everyone interested in joining Coq SAR and will be held on Tuesday, September 15 in Coquitlam's city hall in the Council Chamber (Pinetree Way and Guildford Way in Coquitlam). This will run from 19:00 to 20:00.

“At this session we will go over what we expect from members, who are all volunteers. We want to ensure people joining the team realize what they are getting into,” cautioned Dwight Yochim, a search and rescue manager of the team. “This is not a walk in the park and there is a huge investment in training so we want to ensure we retain volunteers for at least three years.”

People who attend are asked to bring a resume along with a completed application. Applications will be available at the session but are also available online, and can be dropped off at the Town Center Fire Hall Administration Building at 1300 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, mailed to the same address, faxed, or emailed. Please mark all correspondence c/o Coquitlam SAR, and questions may be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The third step will be to go through all the applications received and choose the best qualified individuals for an evaluation hike on Sunday, September 27. “Last time we had 100 applications for a dozen positions,” says MacDonald. “The qualifications of some individuals were very impressive.” It is a full pack hike where individuals are assessed along with their fitness and their gear. It takes approximately $1,500 in outdoor gear to even consider being on a search team. This includes proper hiking boots, rain gear, backpack, cold weather gear. Coq SAR supplies all safety gear to those who are chosen to join the team.

From this hike 15 - 20 people will be chosen for interviews and approximately a dozen will be asked to join the team. At this stage they will face approximately one year of intensive training even before they are considered full members.

For more information, contact:

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Search Manager

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Membership Director