Vernon Search and Rescue expects new command truck to be operational this year

Vernon Search and Rescue will soon have a new tool to help them save lives.

Vernon Search and Rescue expects new command truck to be operational this year New command truck Vernon Search and Rescue will soon have a new tool to help them save lives. In 2019, as part of VSAR's ongoing capital management planning, the group began investigating options for renewing the first vehicle in its fleet. “And after careful evaluating, planning, designing, and fundraising, this dream is now turning into reality,” said a post on the VSAR Facebook page.

The truck being replaced began service 26 years ago, when they tapped International Truck Body to build their first custom search and rescue-specific vehicle: a dual-use command and gear transport truck. “This original unit served us exceptionally well over the years, and for all but the last few years, was the only vehicle in our fleet,” VSAR said. “But as time marched on, our task volume has changed, the focus of calls we respond to has changed, the amount of gear and how we transport it has changed, and how we command an operation has changed...all leading to the inevitable conclusion that it was also time to make a change in our command truck to match our new reality.”

The new truck will be command specific, as VSAR's vehicle fleet has expanded over the years to include an initial response truck specific for transportation of gear and a transport truck for towing any of needed trailers. The truck is being purpose built to integrate the network and mapping technology, digital and satellite communication tools, and multi-person command team approach that is now regularly utilized when responding to a call for help. “As one might imagine, the price of such a custom built vehicle has increased more than a just wee bit since our first built 26 years ago.

But with a number of years of fundraising and grant applications, our community has come together to make this purchase a reality,” the post said. “Of particular note with this piece, we really do need to thank the Lambert family SOS for VSAR Golf Fundraiser and Quickturn Production Machining for the repeating donation dollars over multiple years, Watkin Motors for the great pricing when securing this Ford 450 platform to work up from, and the BC Government for their Capital Project Grant program.” The truck is expected to arrive later this year.

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