Hundreds of search and rescue volunteers, family and supporters were expected on the grounds of the Legislature in Victoria Thursday, March 2, for the unveiling of a memorial to volunteers who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty.
The memorial is a joint project of the BC Search and Rescue Association, the Provincial Emergency Program Air (PEP Air), and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR).
Among the 17 names inscribed on the memorial are Angie Nemeth and Beatrice Sorensen. The two Sunshine Coast women were members of RCM-SAR Station 12, Halfmoon Bay when they died in a 2012 training accident at Skookumchuck Rapids.
Station 12 was planning to send a large contingent to the unveiling.
“For RCM-SAR, this memorial particularly honours the service of two members of our family, Angie Nemeth and Beatrice Sorensen, who died during a tragic training accident in 2012. While it will never replace their spirit in our lives, we hope that it may at least symbolize a humble remembrance for all whom they continue to inspire,” RCM-SAR CEO Pat Quealey told Coast Reporter.
“We are grateful that about two dozen members of the Nemeth and Sorensen families plan to attend the ceremony, along with many from our community of marine, ground and air search and rescue volunteers.
“All of B.C.’s search and rescue volunteers form a vital part of B.C.’s public safety system, handling more than 2,000 missions every year and saving many lives. Our organizations have joined together to create this memorial to honour those who have perished and all who continue to serve,” Quealey said.
“The 17 inscribed names are a reminder that despite our commitment to safety, search and rescue operations in B.C. occur in one of the most challenging regions in the world.”
The Search and Rescue Volunteer Memorial is on the Legislature grounds near similar memorials to police, fire and ambulance personnel. The three volunteer SAR organizations raised more than $100,000 to cover the cost of the memorial. The site was dedicated last April and the design was chosen after an open call for submissions judged by a committee made up of representatives of the BC Search and Rescue Association, PEP Air, and RCM-SAR.
Friends and family installed a memorial bench at one of the Skookumchuck viewpoints a few years ago.
