Digby Ground Search and Rescue gets new equipment

Larry Brooks is thrilled to provide Digby Ground Search and Rescue with new water-resistant boots to help teams stay dry during training and searches.

“I want the best quality of gear for the people out there because they’re out there in some pretty rough conditions,” says Brooks, the president and search manager for the Digby organization.

Digby Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) applied for assistance from the Nova Scotia emergency services provider fund. They were granted $5,597 for the boots, which covered 75 per cent of the costs.

“Any money we can get for new equipment makes the job easier on us,” Brooks says.

The boots were necessary because when teams are out searching for people they need waterproof equipment to be able to stay dry. This extends the amount of time teams are able to continue searching, Brooks says.

“When you go out and find a missing person and connect them back with their family, that makes this all worthwhile, no matter the conditions or the time spent out there.”

The boots were presented to GSAR members on March 12. Digby-Clare MLA Gordon Wilson attended the presentation. The Digby Ground Search and Rescue received funding to buy water-resistant boots to keep them dry during training and searches.

“I just want to say a big thank you for all the hard work you all do, from the bottom of my heart I truly appreciate your work,” he said to members of GSAR.

“You guys are always there. No matter what, you show up and I sincerely thank you for that.”

The boots are Mammoth hiking boots from Mountain Equipment Coop. All pairs come with a gaiter. A gaiter is an extended part of the boot that users can attach to keep their pant legs dry from rain, mud or snow and keep them safe from ticks.

“For anyone who does hill walking or hiking, these are the boots to wear,” says Stuart MacDonald, GSAR training leader.

Each pair, with the gaiter cluded, was close to $300.

“Not everyone can afford to get expensive equipment like this, so it’s really great to be able to get the funds and provide our teams with it ourselves,” says MacDonald. officer and team in-

The boots were the first step, but GSAR has a long list of equipment they still need, MacDonald says.

“We do some fundraising and get a bit of help from the province. But it’s not a lot and to be able to work to our full potential we do need more help.”

The ground search and rescue team needs new waterproof jackets and pants, shirts with GSAR logos so the public will know when they are present, new computer equipment and GPS systems for tracking during searches.

Digby GSAR has between 25 and 30 volunteers, depending on the season.