The Rovers Search and Rescue Team of Northeast Avalon will soon have a home to call their own.
A $600,000 contribution from Hibernia Management and Development Company, announced today, will make plans to construct a new base in Paradise possible.
The team regularly responds to calls requesting assistance on search and rescue cases and also offers assistance to police forces when investigations require the search of large areas. For example, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has tapped the team for assistance between 25 and 30 times in the last year.
Team president for Rovers search and rescue, Harry Blackmore said the funding will allow the organization to realize its goal of having its own base. Having all of its equipment in one place will allow the volunteer team to respond more quickly to calls for assistance, he said.
“Since the team began over 40 years ago, we have continually expanded our capabilities and capacities as a volunteer search and rescue team with the goal to deliver the best possible service to the citizens of the north east
The new home of the Rovers Search and Rescue Team of Northeast Avalon will also act as a training centre and include a training room, space to offer prevention programs to youth and storage for audio-visual equipment for offsite presentations.
“We understand the importance of having the right training to do the job. It is critical for the Rovers to ensure they are prepared to respond when needed,” said Jamie Long, president of Hibernia Management and Development Company.
“The Rovers provide a valuable service to the region and Hibernia is proud to support and help the volunteers.”
The announcement of the new search and rescue service base was made this morning at the Rotary youth centre in Paradise. Attendees included: Mayor of Paradise Ralph Wiseman; MHA for Topsail Paul Davis; president and CEO of Universal Helicopters Geoff Goodyear, who is also honourary chair of the Rovers building committee; Royal Newfoundland Constabulary police chief Robert Johnston and St. John’s Regional Fire Department chief Mike Dwyer.
afitzpatrick@thetelegram.com
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