Pete Wise (right), who recently retired after 60 years of service with search and rescue, is one of eight Vernon Search and Rescue members being honoured by the organization. (VSAR photo/Facebook)

By Pete McIntyre

'remarkable service'

Vernon Search and Rescue honours ‘exceptional’ members

May 24, 2024 | 5:00 AM

Vernon Search and Rescue is celebrating its longest serving members.

The volunteer-led organization will be holding its annual Family Day and member recognition event this weekend.

“At this event, it will be our priviledge to honour eight exceptional long-service Search and Rescue members who have given decades of remarkable and selfless service to communities throughout B.C.,” VSAR said on its Facebook page.

The volunteers that will be honoured are:

• Pete Wise – 60 years – Started on May 1, 1964 – Longest serving Search and Rescue member in Canada
• James Viel – 50 years – Started on July 30, 1974 – Longest serving Vernon Search and Rescue member
• Leigh Pearson – 37 years – Started on Jan. 1, 1987
• Don Blakely – 37 years – Started on Jan. 12, 1987
• Coralie Nairn – 35 years – Started on Oct. 27, 1989
• Robert Hurtubise – 34 years – Started on Feb. 1, 1990
• Geoff Vick – 31 years – Started on July 30, 1993
• Robert Cross – 28 years – Started on March 1, 1996

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VSAR is posting profiles of its honoured volunteers on its Facebook page this week.

Pete Wise recently retired from search and rescue duties after 60 year of service.

His daughter, Holly Giesbrecht, said the impact and dedication he has shown to others has been nothing less than incredible.

“Countless lives have been impacted from thousands of volunteer hours that he has selflessly put in. Hundreds of missed events, holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, kids events, family events and that doesn’t even consider the time away from work, “Geisbrecht posted.

“He has helped to guide and develop programs, training and mentoring hundreds of SAR members over his career as a member, team leader and instructor for various SAR training exercises.”

Wise, who is also a wildlife expert, was presented with the Coldstream Community Achievement Award for Outstanding Service and Volunteerism by the district in 2021.