Robotics Centre’s own Erick Karmouch and Steve Jarvis and their team of volunteers have been awarded an Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award. This award is a partnership among provincial, territorial and federal governments. It recognizes recipients who have achieved excellence in their respective fields. Awards are granted in five categories:
- Resilient Communities;
- Search and Rescue Volunteers;
- Search and Rescue Employees;
- Youth; and
- Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Management.
SBO-OVSAR’s Drone Team was formed in 2019 and ambitiously raised funds to purchase two drones equipped with thermal cameras. As the Team has grown, it has also benefited from using drones owned by its members and their employers.
Transport Canada (TC) recently approved a Special Flight Operations Certificate which allows SBO-OVSAR’s drones to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight – a significant milestone for volunteer SAR in Canada.
Through frequent training and deployment at searches and disaster incidents, the SBO-OVSAR Drone Team is contributing to the development of SAR drone expertise and standard operating procedures which will be shared with other volunteer SAR groups.
A ceremony is planned for December 15th, 2022, in Ottawa, where Ministers will present the award medallion to the members of the Drone Team:
Andrew Laliberte;
Ben Sparkes;
David Snelson;
Eric Karmouch;
Gerry Godsoe;
Liane Cousineau;
Patrick Bisson;
Patrick Foré;
Ron MacGillivray; and
Steven Jarvis.
Congratulations to the team!