Pete Wise (left) is presented with the 2021 Coldstream Community Achievement Award by Mayor Jim Garlick. (Submitted photo/Facebook/Holly Wise)

By Pete McIntyre

Community Award

Community leader honoured for decades of service

Nov 23, 2021 | 12:00 PM

A Coldstream resident has received a special award for his dedication to the community.

Pete Wise was presented with the 2021 Coldstream Community Achievement Award for Outstanding Service and Volunteerism by Mayor Jim Garlick on Monday night.

Wise received the honour for his 57 years as a volunteer with Search and Rescue, mostly in Vernon, along with many years of working as a wildlife expert and helping people with their wildlife issues.

Wise called it “a real honour” to receive the award.

“It’s tough to imagine the length of time that has passed under the bridge, but I’m still not quitting yet. They’ve asked me for a retirement age, and I told them when I hit my 60th year with search and rescue,” Wise told council members.

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Wise is currently the senior search and rescue member in Canada after starting in Maple Ridge in 1964.

“It’s been a passion with me all my life.”

Wise thanked his wife, his daughter and the friends that have supported him over the years.

Pete Wise and his trusted companion (Submitted photo/Facebook)

In a news release, the District of Coldstream said the leadership and foresight Wise has provided as one of the founding members of Vernon Search and Rescue has greatly benefitted the District of Coldstream and surrounding communities.

“Mr. Wise has inspired by his example and truly made our community a better place to live,” said the release.