Nova Scotia Guard deployed for 1st time to support search for missing children
The Nova Scotia Guard program has been activated for the first time to assist in the search for two missing children from Pictou County. The program, consisting of volunteers with a range of skills, can be called upon during emergencies or natural disasters such as floods, blizzards, and hurricanes.
Lily Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, were last seen on Friday morning at their home in Lansdowne Station, prompting a search effort by police and search and rescue teams. The RCMP requested assistance from the Nova Scotia Guard, leading to volunteers working in shifts to provide support in various capacities, including food distribution, overnight equipment protection, parking assistance, and guiding first responders in the area.
“This assignment for the guard has done what we envisioned for the program,” said provincial spokesperson Patricia Jreige. “It’s allowing first responders and ground search and rescue to focus their efforts on the search, while the guard members provide support in a carefully coordinated approach.”
While the exact number of deployed volunteers was not disclosed, the province received numerous positive responses from individuals who had signed up to be part of the guard. Approximately 2,000 people had registered for the program, with 900 having completed orientation and being ready for deployment.
During a presentation at the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities conference, Meredith Cowan, executive director of the Department of Emergency Management, highlighted the importance of having the right people in the right positions to ensure effective assistance during emergencies. Volunteers undergo a criminal records check and are categorized into three levels based on their skills and experience.
Level 1 volunteers may assist in comfort centers, wellness checks, grocery shopping for seniors, or pet care. Level 2 volunteers possess specialized skills, such as operating a chainsaw safely, while Level 3 volunteers have advanced expertise and may lead other volunteers.
Sandra McKenzie, deputy minister of emergency management, emphasized that the guard’s role is to support first responders rather than compete with their duties. The program collaborates with organizations like the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Team Rubicon to fill any gaps in services.
Insurance coverage for guard volunteers includes liability, death and dismemberment, and a form of workers’ compensation in partnership with the federal government. This coverage aligns with that provided to ground search and rescue teams, ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals involved in emergency response efforts.
