By Duane Grandbois

Vernon Search and Rescue; Eager to Adopt Their Brand New Kioti

Dec 2, 2017 | 12:50 PM

Unofficial observations indicate Christmas will come a little early for Vernon Search and Rescue after winning a contest for a new KIOTI Mechron UTV with a value approaching $20,000.

Talking with S & R Manager Leigh Pearson this morning, he says It was a come-from-behind win for their volunteer group.

Closing time to vote was 9pm yesterday and they were a little deflated when they checked the latest tallies and they were a few hundred votes behind Cleveland, North Carolina.

No, I’ve never heard of that place either, but ironically enough that is where Kioti North American headquarters are located. And who is next door to the plant? The Cleveland Fire Dept. who were Vernon’s biggest competitor.

One would naturally assume that they will do everything they have to, so that piece of machinery just goes next door…and not across the country and up in Canada.

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Pearson said “We beat them by about 450 votes”. The community support here and all across the country was humbling and moving”.

Pearson says they haven’t had the official nod yet, but their video is the only one left at the voting website. He and his crew will take that as a fist-pump win.

Seeing the organization do so many fundraising events to replenish and get new equipment, to have this land in their shop at no charge…”is crazy”.

This unit will find a perfect home soon where it’ll be put to good use not only to haul people, it can also haul equipment and even a stretcher if needed.

Pearson is very grateful to Timberstar Tractor, BC Interior’s Kioti Distributor for putting them on to this contest.

Jake Wiebe from Timberstar Tractor, solid supporters of VSAR, told KISS-FM…it was a natural fit for the Vernon volunteer group and it will indeed be his pleasure to hand over the keys to Vernon Search and Rescue when it arrives.

They never respond to calls looking for any accolades for their tireless 24/7 work in our community…so voting for them was the best way the community could say thanks.

Pearson reaffirmed that nobody appreciates that vote of confidence more than his crew at VSAR.

Click on their website to view the video that won them the contest.

by Duane Grandbois