SAR Tech: a trade that combines passion and courage

Sgt Steeve Bédard, who loves his job, will be awarded the Star of Courage for his work during a rescue in March 2005.

By Marie-Chantale Bergeron

It’s a tough job, but Search and Rescue technicians (SAR tech), Sergeant Steeve Bédard, 439 Combat Support Squadron 3 Wing Bagotville, and Master Corporal Dan Villeneuve, 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 14 Wing Greenwood, do it particularly well.

Like many CF trades, being a SAR Tech requires being in excellent physical condition, but it also takes skills and knowledge in diving, medical aid, swimming, and parachuting, along with a cool head. “We’re jacks of all trades,” says Sgt Bédard, who was a medical assistant for nine years.

“I think it’s a calling. Everyone who does this job has similar character traits. We’re all a little stubborn, and we’re determined to succeed,” he explained.
“It takes guts,” said MCpl Villeneuve, passionately. This former bos’n believes it’s the best trade in the CF.

Sgt Bédard added that it’s a very humble trade and one you learn by doing.”  “You can’t do a rescue by following instructions in a book,” says Sgt Bédard who will be awarded the Star of Courage for his efforts during a rescue on Sandy Beach, north of the Magdalen Islands, on March 30, 2005. His colleague, MCpl Villeneuve, will receive the Medal of Bravery.  These decorations recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect another. The two members will be decorated by the Governor General at a ceremony in October.

“I am proud to be receiving the Star of Courage on behalf of the CF, our trade and all the trades that provide support for our operations,” says Sgt Bédard, who has definitely found his path in life. In June 2004, he was also the recipient of the Medal of Bravery for a rescue performed in September 2002, near Nathasquan, Quebec.
The Star of Courage is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril, while the Medal of Bravery is awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

It is not by chance that Sgt Bédard’s name was put forward to the Honours Policy Committee. According to Warrant Officer Tim Eagle, who was evaluating Sgt Bédard that day, he showed a lot of courage.

“He did excellent work,” adding that this type of situation can make or break a career. Sgt Bédard seemed to know what he was doing. Yet, that day was only supposed to be a simple check ride (training flight) to enable him to advance from team member to team leader.

As in many rescues, what’s been planned doesn’t always work. In this case, the scenario changed several times before Sgt Bédard and MCpl Villeneuve were able to rescue the five fishermen trapped on their boat.

After three unsuccessful drops—in winds of Force Nine on the Beaufort scale and waves of over 40 feet—Sgt Bédard was finally able to bring up the first of the five fishermen using a rope and a rescue strap.

So it was at nightfall, with visibility almost nil, in a check ride.
“We don’t do missions like that very often,” he confides. In a humble voice, he admits that he worked hard, although “our equipment helps us float and boosts our capabilities.”

A real team player, Sgt Bédard stressed the work done by his team mates (Captains Steve Reid and Bob Charest, WO Tim Eagle, MCpl Dave Pawluski, Cpl Brad Lawrence and MCpl Dan Villeneuve).

“The chemistry between us was good that day,” he said. To the great relief, no doubt, of the fishermen, who described the storm as “something you see in movies,” according MCpl Villeneuve.

In fact the crew received the Cormorant Trophy for Helicopter Rescue, which is awarded to the civilian, government or military crew that has performed the most demanding helicopter rescue of the year.