Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - CCSAR

Home
Canada
Williams Lake, BC
Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - CCSAR

The AutoEx team responds regionally to Motor Vehicle Incidents, for subject extraction. What does the Land Search and Rescue team do? Are CCSAR volunteers paid?

Volunteers of the Williams Lake area proudly serving as a function of the Cariboo Regional District, responding in tandem with BCSARA, RCMP, BC Coroners Service, and BCEHS to support our region and communities throughout BC. Volunteers from the Williams Lake, BC area provide assistance to the RCMP, Coroner and BC Ambulance services with:

* assisting motor vehicle accident victims
* searching for

missing persons
* locating missing aircraft
* assisting at disaster scenes such as: fires, floods and landslides
* helping agencies who provide emergency support for disaster victims

Volunteers spend a great deal of time training in order to ensure that a search and rescue task is completed successfully. Our members have training in:

auto extrication
embankment rescue
outdoor survival
map & compass
search techniques
search management
team leadership
radio communication
tracking
basic first aid
emergency preparedness
swift & flat water rescue

If you would like to become a member of the Central Cariboo Search & Rescue team you should be:

* 19 years of age or 16 years of age for Junior members
* enthusiastic
* able to work as a team member
* willing to become an active member in one of our specialty areas

We're currently recruiting for all positions, including; Land Search and Rescue, Auto Extrication, Communications and general Hall Maintenance volunteers to join our team. If you're interested in applying to be a member please either; email [email protected], visit https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/search-and-rescue.aspx to apply online, or pick up the application package at:

For more information or comments send an email to [email protected].
-------------

FAQ's:

What does the Auto Extrication team do? This team utilizes training such as; motor vehicle safety, rope rescue, emergency vehicle driving and tool usage (including the infamous 'Jaws of Life"). The LandSAR team responds to calls for help regionally, and provincially. Our LandSAR team is apart of the BC Search and Rescue Association and utilizes training such as; ground searching, UTV and ATVs, snowmobiles, tracking, rope rescue, flat ice rescue, swift water rescue, helicopters, and more. No, CCSAR members are UNPAID volunteers. In saying that, gear and training are paid for by the organization. If I want to be a volunteer do I have to be a member of both the Auto Extrication AND Land Search and Rescue? No, you do not have to join all teams. We at CCSAR understand that some people may only be interested in doing only Communications, or Hall Maintenance, or Land SAR, or Auto Ex, we are happy with that. What is the time commitment to be a volunteer? We ask our members to be dedicated and give as much time as they can, while still keeping in mind the balance of life and volunteering. This means communicating with the Training Officers when you can attend practices, being on call when available, and being committed to keeping up your skills and certifications. We promise the time you give is well worth it.

06/01/2026

✨Meet the Member Monday✨
✨Ryan✨

▪️Can you tell us who you are outside of Search and Rescue.

Outside of Search and Rescue I'm a husband, brother, son and friend.
I am a trainer in the explosives manufacturing industry for Orica Canada. I am apart of a small specialized team that covers all Orica sites in North America.
Depending on the season you might find me golfing, motorbiking, scuba diving with my wife and friends or building an airplane.

▪️How long have you been a member, and what certifications/ positions do you currently hold?

I have been a member of SAR for about 8 years.
I have held many certificates and positions over the years and currently hold Search and Rescue Manager, Rope Rescue Technician 2 and Swiftwater Technician to name a few. Over the years I have worked closely with our Auto Extrication team and have been honored to lead in many ways. Most of my time at CCSAR I have held forms of operational leadership roles such as Ground Search Team Leader and Captain. Recently I have accepted a promotion to Deputy Chief of CCSAR operations and I am very excited for the new chapter with our group.

▪️What intrigued you to join CCSAR ?

I was intrigued to join CCSAR after talking with a friend who was a member years ago. He explained to me all the different tasks that SAR is involved with and naturally I had to join. Joining a team of like minded, professional individuals who are a bit crazy to say the least, jumping into swiftwater or responding code 3 to a serious motor vehicle incident was one of the best decisions I've made. Its the friendships and experiences that keep me pushing to grow and better myself for the team and community's I serve.

Fun Question 👇🏼

Whats one thing on your bucket list that you are determined to make happen?

One thing on my bucket list that I am determined to make happen is finishing my flight training to become a pilot. I am so close and have purchased an airplane to help get me through the "turbulence" of training. Its been a dream as long as I can remember and its right around the corner.

05/28/2026

This week CCSAR members pulled out the GSAR manual, and we focused on building a reliable belay system to ensure the safety of our subjects on the stretcher as we navigate slightly sloped and/or slippery terrain.

The team reviewed their knot-tying skills and discussed the best type of anchors we can use in the field. It was great to see everyone working hard together, and at the end we had a productive debrief. Great job CCSAR!

We spend many hours training so we’re ready to respond to any call, at any time of day!

05/16/2026

As we gear up for the long weekend, let’s make safety our top priority while enjoying the great outdoors!

Here’s a quick checklist to ensure your adventure is both fun and safe:

📝Always let someone know where you’re going. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a camping trip, or a day at the beach, share your itinerary!

🎒Bring a backpack filled with essentials: food, water, a compass or GPS, and don’t forget a jacket—even if the forecast is warm! The weather can change quickly.

🌊If you're planning to play near the water, make sure you have all the necessary gear. Life jackets, flotation devices, and first-aid kits are a must!

⛰️For those hitting the hiking trails, stay on marked paths, and keep an eye on the weather. If you’re going quadding or biking, be sure to wear protective gear like helmets and pads. STAY HYDRATED!

Be Bear Aware and please respect our wildlife and the wilderness you are exploring. HAVE FUN!

Enjoy your weekend.

Here’s how you can get more information on how to make a trip plan and other ways to “ADVENTURE SMART”. - https://www.adventuresmart.ca/

05/07/2026

This week, the team at Central Cariboo Search and Rescue focused on essential dryland swiftwater rescue training.

We began by a “Superman Dive” into the hydrology of rivers, gaining a deeper understanding of how water flows and the dynamics that can affect rescue situations. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions on a task.

Next, we discussed the ‘13 Absolutes of swiftwater Rescue’. These help ensure that we operate safely and appropriately when responding to emergencies.

We practiced our throw bag skills while wearing our PFDs, focusing on accuracy and technique. This hands-on training is vital for ensuring that we are prepared to assist those in need.

We conducted thorough checks of our gear to ensure everything is in good operational condition and ready for use at a moment’s notice. Maintaining our equipment is essential for our safety and effectiveness.

These trainings play a crucial role in developing our skills and strengthening our teamwork. They prepare us to respond SWIFTLY, quickly and safely.

Have fun and Stay Safe out there. Please educate yourself before heading to the Rivers and Lakes. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Don’t forget your life jackets and safety gear.
You can visit https://www.adventuresmart.ca/
for more information.

05/04/2026

✨Meet the Member Monday✨
Sheldon

▪️Who are you outside of search and rescue??

Well out of search and rescue im an outdoors guy, whether its sledding in the mountains or quadding down trails, or hoping on the mountian bike even hoping on the paddle board and going for a nice paddle, if it involves the outdoors I love to do it!!

▪️How long have you been part of search and rescue and what certifications do you hold??

Well ive been a memeber with ccsar for alittle over 7 years now, in 7 years ive acquired a few certifications like Rope Rescue Technician 2(RRT2), Ground search and rescue team leader(GSTL), organized avalanche rescue team memeber(OARTM), swiftwater rescue technician 3(SWRT3), flat ice rescue, Jet boat operator theres probably more but its hard to keep track of haha!!

▪️What intrigued you to join.

we'll before I joined i had never heard of search and rescue before didnt even know something like that existed, what caused me to join was i had a old friend see my sled and tell me that they think id love search and rescue and that everything that I like to do they do but with the benefit of fun training sessions and saving people from the wild

▪️✨Fun Question ✨▪️

If you had a theme song that played every time you entered a room what would it be?

Itll have to be Crazy ones by stellar rivals

04/23/2026

CCSAR’s practice this week we focused on sharpening our searching skills, team building and first aid, it was a successful training night! Before leaving the hall we loaded or mapping and navigation app and prepared to track our progress in the field.

After establishing who’s in each leadership position and identified our first aid attendant, we split into two teams.

Together, we provided first aid and secured Ruth Lee, our training subject mannequin, to the stretcher and packed her out of the woods, showcasing our teamwork and dedication in action.

It was an incredible experience that reinforced our skills and collaboration! We train hard, so when the call comes in we are ready to respond for our community.

To learn more about SAR you can;
🚨Take a look at our page info for our FAQ'S
🚨send us a DM 🗳
🚨email [email protected] 📧
🚨visit https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/search-and-rescue.aspx to apply online

04/10/2026

As part of CCSAR mambers commitment to keeping our skills sharp and our team safe, we undergo annual recertification in hover exit operations.

Only specially trained crews should attempt to enter or exit a helicopter while hovering.

This skill helps us reach people in need where a helicopter can’t safely land due to difficult terrain, uneven ground, or soft surfaces make traditional landings impossible. Remember, every second counts! ⏱️

In Search and Rescue, our training keeps us ready for anything! We continue to hone in our skills and ensuring that we’re always ready to assist when needed.
📹Video credit to Danny and Ella📽️
To learn more about SAR you can;
🚨Take a look at our page info for our FAQ'S
🚨send us a DM 🗳
🚨email [email protected] 📧
🚨visit https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/search-and-rescue.aspx to apply online

04/08/2026

✨Meet the Member✨ Scott

▪️Can you tell us who you are outside Search and Rescue.

Retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, but still happiest when I’m out in the bush. I spend most of my time camping, fishing, and getting ready to try my hand at hunting.I also ride a KTM 690 into the backcountry, usually far enough to fully commit… and just far enough to start questioning my life choices on the way back out.At home, I’ve got a very supportive wife who encourages all of this—despite the fact that it probably raises her blood pressure every time I head out.

▪️How long have you been a member and what certifications do you hold?

This one’s a bit of a long story. I’ve been with the team since October 2025—but it’s definitely not my first go around.

I actually got my start back in the late ’80s, when it was still Williams Lake Search and Rescue, operating out of a tiny building behind where Finning Tractor used to be. Since then, I’ve racked up a little over 15-ish years in SAR (on and off), including time with Chilliwack SAR, Central Fraser Valley, and Comox SAR.

These days I’m a Search Manager, Ground SAR Team Leader, and Ground SAR Instructor. Along the way I’ve also had certifications in Advanced Swiftwater, Rope Rescue Team Leader, and LUSAR, among a few others.

My proudest achievement though? Running a validated tracking K9 for a few years. Turns out a Black Lab can track unbelievably well—who knew. Still the best teammate I’ve ever had, hands down.

▪️What intrigued you to join CCSAR?

Being involved in the SAR world is something that just gets in your blood. Hard to shake. I have been asked this question a number of times in the past actually. The simpleist answer: If you want to meet some of the best folks a community has to offer, there is no better place than your volunteer SAR team. Moving back to Williams Lake after 3 and half decades away, this is the best way to reconnect with the place I grew up in.

💥Fun Question💥
▪️If you could add a word to the dictionary what would it be and what would it mean ?

If I could add a word to the dictionary:

Graphagnostified
(graf-ag-NOS-tih-fide)
adjective

Describing a person who prefers paper, pencil, and precise hand-drawn methods, yet finds themselves reluctantly navigating modern digital tools.
Experiencing mild confusion or dignified resistance when traditional craftsmanship collides with technology.
noun form: Graphagnostifier – one who embodies this condition.

Example sentences:

“He stared at the CAD software, utterly graphagnostified, wishing for his trusty compass.”
“Her graphagnostified approach meant she printed the email just to read it properly.”

Etymology:
From graph- (writing/drawing) + agnostic (uncertain or resistant belief) + -fied (made into), implying one who has been “made uncertain by modern drawing methods

04/01/2026

CCSAR Ground Search and Rescue team has been busy with training over the past few weeks. Recently MIT’s ( members in training ) have teamed up with our experienced GSAR members to practice over night essential skills, including fire and shelter building. This hands-on experience is vital as they get ready for their upcoming overnight exercise to complete the MIT course.

Additionally, we held a valuable first aid practice where members utilized our quads and side-by-sides to run through scenarios. We learned how to securely strap a stretcher into the UTV and effectively package a subject, along with providing injury and wound care when necessary.

To learn more about SAR you can;
🚨Take a look at our page info for our FAQ'S
🚨send us a DM 🗳
🚨email [email protected] 📧
🚨visit https://www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/search-and-rescue.aspx to apply online

03/08/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day and the incredible women who help make our team and the entire SAR community strong!

At Central Cariboo Search and Rescue, we’re proud that 50% of our members are women. Their dedication, skill, compassion and commitment to serving our community make our team better every day.

Thank you to the amazing women on our team and everywhere who continue to inspire and lead. 💙

Address

180-D North Third Avenue
Williams Lake, BC
V2G2A4

Website

http://www.ccsar.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Central Cariboo Search and Rescue - CCSAR posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Williams Lake?