An opportunity to save lives

Public relations chair, Kyle Stewart says the employees at On-Line Support in Liverpool through its Better Relations Committee recently helped purchase new outfits for their upcoming recruits.

“We need more people because we’re running out and it is important. We do a lot of things like searching for people in the woods.”

He says the training provided is free. For example, David Wamboldt, a member of South Queens Ground Search and Rescue recently hosted a training seminar to share his expertise and knowledge of trouble shooting with 9.9 boat motors. Eighteen members attended.

Wamboldt has traveled the water throughout his life and has a lot of experience. He also holds the Marine Maintenance position.

Stewart says the organization is not only valuable to the community, the camaraderie and activities involved are fun, “especially if you’re an outdoors person.”

He adds joining the organization is a simple process, involving a criminal check and a small application.

“It takes no time at all and then you’re in.” The minimum age is 18.

With the training, he said, “You can learn to drive a boat and survive in the wilderness, for example, which is even important to yourself. You learn to work as a team. It’s good for character building as well.”

They also work closely with the Queens RCMP.

Members also fundraise and help other organizations and needy families, Stewart says. “We’re still a public part of the community although our main goal is ground search and rescue.”

Personally, Stewart says he joined for all these reasons.

“For a volunteer organization, if people don’t want to commit their lives but still want to help the community, this is great.”

Stewart can be contacted at 356-5212 or sphenst@hotmail.com.