Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue had its start in 1969 with the old Civil Defense and Emergency Measures Organization.

As the popularity of what was then southern Garibaldi Park (now Golden Ears Provincial Park) grew, Maple Ridge Search and Rescue, as it was known then, became more active. Housed in several locations over the years, we have finally found a permanent home in our new training facilities, which were opened in 1996 on the Albion Fairgrounds at 105th Avenue in Maple Ridge.

In the beginning we started with about 15 members and have grown to a total of 35 active members with about 5 reserve members today. At that time, we were equipped with some hardhats, shovels, rope and a stretcher or two. Today we have a 1993 Ford 1 ton Command Post, a 1989 Chevy 3/4 ton service truck used to haul equipment and our 19 ft aluminum twin outboard rescue boat, and a 1982 Chevy 1 ton 4x4. Some of the equipment includes rope rescue gear, first aid, and communications.

Members bring to the team his or her own personal hiking equipment, which enables them to search in any terrain or weather condition. We have also progressed from just search and rescue to preventative measures. In addition to safety talks in the park, we offer the program "Hug-A-Tree and Survive" to school-aged children. This excellent video and live demonstration was put together by the R.C.M.P. and gives the children some very useful information and tools to use in case they should ever become lost.

For information on how we can present this to your school or youth group, please contact us .