There’s new leadership at the helm of Vernon Search and Rescue.
Chris Henderson has been elected president of the volunteer unit.
“It’s a really good core group that’s dedicated,” he said.
A chartered accountant in Armstrong/Enderby, Henderson has been with Search and Rescue since 2004, and has served as its treasurer since then.
Henderson takes over from Leigh Pearson.
“Leigh has been president for about 11 years and he put his life into it,” said Henderson.
“We’re carrying on with the legacy.”
One of Henderson’s goals is to increase public awareness of Search and Rescue in the North Okanagan.
“The vast majority of people don’t know we exist,” he said.
“The volunteer aspect doesn’t get out there as much as it should.”
In 2010, the volunteer search unit responded to 44 calls, one less than the all-time record. On average, there are only about 35 calls a year.
The unit currently has 65 members and 5,506 hours were spent on searches.
Members also spend additional time on training and maintenance of equipment.
Henderson believes Search and Rescue is a vital service.
“If you look at our area and the recreational pursuits and activities, and to not have a backstop of what happens if something goes wrong, would be detrimental,” he said.
Besides Henderson, the new Search and Rescue executive includes chief of rescue Jon Ottesen, treasurer Robert Cross, vice-president Kelly Carnochan and secretary Nikki Sims.