The Huron and Area Search and Rescue (HASAR) was honoured with an Operational Merit Medal from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for its role in a search on Lake Huron last year.
The local volunteer group sent out two boats with crews, the SAU 1890 Firefighter John Miller and SAU 1919 Lt Florence Graham, in July 2024 to help look for a missing kayaker, who was ultimately found dead.
"The result isn't what we were hoping for of course," said Patrick Armstrong, HASAR Commander. "But we were able to be a part of that search, which eventually can help lead to, hopefully closure with the family, and we bring an extra two vessels to the search that the Coast Guard doesn't have access to on their own."
The search lasted several days, during which Armstrong said HASAR members stepped up in a number of ways.
"At one point, when the coast guard had to go, because they had been out all night, we took over the on-water operational situation, and we were able to help direct the air assets — the Hercules and the helicopter from the Royal Canadian Air Force," said Armstrong.
The Operational Merit Medal is awarded to Auxiliarists in recognition of superior skill in performing an assist, or rescue, or other meritorious operational service.
Armstrong said operating these vessels is truly a team effort, and the eight crewmembers that were vital in the success of that search will be recognized, the first such honour for the local Search and Rescue.
"We've been lucky enough to have received a number of awards through our ground search program, but on the water side, this is our first award," he said. "All of the crew of both vessels, this Thursday (barring any blizzard) will be receiving an Award of Commendation for their parts in it as well."
Those receiving recognition are Jim Peever, Marine Captain; Layne Lavis, Aviation Captain; Tom MacLean, Assistant Commander - Marine; Archie MacGowan, Assistant Commander - Rescue; Bert Vandendool, Logistics Officer; and John Groves, Shannon Halton and Joel Hordijk, Crewmembers.
