AJ is a hardworking, quiet, and a calm presence on the team. He has a strong work ethic and never complains about a task or assignment. AJ has been with AVRS since the end of 2021 and has taken his Ground Search and Rescue certification as well as his Non-Urban Emergency Care Intermediate.

AJ says his favorite thing about SAR is “getting to get out in the bush and make a difference for those who need help”.

AJ brings a strong outdoor background to the team as he brings years of experience and knowledge as a Fire Fighter with BC Wildfire and the Errington Initial attack crew. He also volunteers his time with Cherry Creek Fire Department.

Al is one of our longest standing members, he is motivated to learn and a great team player.

Al is Ground Search and Rescue, Non-Urban Emergency Care Intermediate, hover exit and track aware.

Al says his favourite thing about SAR is “ Helping people and their families and being around such great people in Search and Rescue”.

Al wear lots of different hats, when he is not at SAR his day jobs are welder, fabricator and shop manager. Alan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, flying drones, hiking, 4x4ing, mountain biking, fishing and swimming.

Alysia has been with AVRS for 6 years and always brings a positive attitude as well as an unflappable and calming presence. She is our team’s resident mushroom picker and brings her love and joy for nature to our team.

Alysia has grown her skill set over the years and has obtained her Ground Search Team Leader, Hover Exit, Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency, NUEC 3, Advanced protocols, Organized Avalanche Rescue and AST 1.

Alysia says “I love working with such a skilled team to make a real difference in the lives of people in need”.

Amélie has been with AVRS for 3 years. Most of us at AVRS call her Am because we struggle to pronounce her French name as eloquently as she does!

Am has her Ground Search and Rescue certification, Avalanche Skills Training level 2, Organized Avalanche Response Team Member, Non-urban emergency care level 2 and is a Rope Tech level 1. She is also the Secretary on the Board of Directors.

Am says “SAR is where I found my community of people with the same love for the outdoors”.

Her day job is a youth and family substance use counsellor for ADAPS. Am is an avid back country enthusiast. Most days you can find her running exceptionally long distances in trails. Her favourite runs take her into the alpine. She recently completed a 100 km race in Mexico. When she’s not running she enjoys backcountry snowboarding, mountain biking and sometimes fishing with her partner Noah. But equally important she loves spending time, cuddling her dogs, Finn and Tica. As well as taking care of her chickens!!

Ashley is a charismatic team player, she is eager to learn and very organized. She is also obsessed with Christmas, and we now know that stealing an elf on shelf from her house can ruin Christmas. Don’t worry the elf was returned without consequences.

Ashley has her Ground Search and Rescue certification, Avalanche Skills Training level 1, Non-Urban Emergency Care level 3 with advanced protocol and Swift Water Rescue level 3. Ashley is also part of the CDFL/Hoist team and sits on the board of directors.

Her favourite thing about SAR is learning new skills and being a part of a great team. In the fall of 2020, Ashley made a career change that was a great choice for her work-life balance, but it left her missing being part of a team. In 2021, after venturing into the backcountry that summer for some amazing overnight girls trips, Ashley decided to join AVRS and mentioned that “it’s been an incredibly rewarding way to give back to the community.”

When Ashley isn’t volunteering for SAR, she works as a community Registered Nurse for the Health Services for Community Living program, as well as a casual ER RN.

Boden has been with AVRS for 3 years and is Ground Search and Rescue certified, Non-Urban Emergency Care level 2 and is on the rope team as a tech one. However, his rope skills and knowledge have rapidly increased and we can’t wait to see what he takes on next within SAR!

Boden is a rock star team player, with natural leadership skills. We truly appreciate Boden’s insightful ideas and problem solving skills. He is calm, knowledgeable, friendly and an all around great person.

Boden says “Favourite thing about SAR is helping our community and working with our team”.

He is a Carpenter by day, Boden the builder! His hobbies include fishing, climbing, hiking and gardening.

Dave has been with AVRS for almost 20 years. During his time with AVRS Dave has spent 15 years on the Board of Directors in various roles including director, Vice-President, and President. He also supports the SAR community at large and sits on the BCSARA Board as the North Island and Central Coast Regional Director.

Dave is a Senior Search Manager and holds multiple certifications including Ground Search and Rescue certified, Hoist/CDFL, Swift WaterRescue Technician level 3, Advanced Medical Team, Rope Team and is also a highly experienced boat operator. In the early 2010’s Dave helped shift the direction of AVRS by advocating for more training, courses, and education to support AVRS members in expanding their knowledge base and skill set.

When Dave isn’t volunteering with SAR he is a full-time Paramedic with BCEHS. Up until 2022, Dave also worked with Parks Canada as a Visitor Safety Technician for 9 years where he gained invaluable search and rescue experience and knowledge. In his free time he enjoys paddle boarding and exploring the Island.

Emma is truly an amazing role model for all but especially the other women on the team. She supports the team with medical training and gives the best hypothermia lesson around! She has a way of teaching that even if you have been in the medical field for years, she creates such an incredible learning environment you will always learn something new from her.

Emma has multiple qualifications with SAR including her GSAR, swift water, AST2, OARTM, boat team and is on the long line/ hoist team.

Emma says her “Favourite thing about SAR is the people!! Joined AVRS as a way to get comfortable in self rescue and self sufficiency with the secondary goal of helping others recreate in the Alberni Valley but stayed for the team!! Have made life long friendships in my 5 years with AVRS and feel extremely fortunate to have learned and experienced so much”.

Emma’s day job she works for BCEHS as a Primary Care Paramedic. She also teaches for the JIBC and Peak. Her hobbies include running incredibly long distances, mountain biking and snowboarding. She loves all things mountain sports! You can also find Emma petting all of the dogs she comes across!

Haley has been with AVRS since the spring of 2022. Haley came from Arrowsmith SAR, and we couldn’t be happier that she moved to the Alberni Valley. Haley brings a calm presence to the team. She is thoughtful, welcoming and knowledgeable in many areas and has one of the best laughs. Haley is a team player and you want her on your team!

Haley is Ground Search and Rescue certified, Rope Tech 1, Non-Urban Emergency Care Intermediate, hover exit and Avalanche Skill Training level 1.

Haley says her favourite thing about SAR is “helping people when they’re having a bad day (no one calls SAR when their day is going great!)”.

Haley’s day job is as an Aquatic Biologist, she works on fish habitat restoration throughout BC and the Yukon. When she isn’t at work or at SAR you can find Haley mountain biking, cooking, running and reading. You can also find Haley fishing with her husband. If you talk with Haley you’ll know that she has two cats and loves them so much.

Jenn is an incredibly hard worker and goes above and beyond to keep the hall clean and in working order. She sits on the board of directors. She is also Ground Search and Rescue certified, a Team Leader, has her Advanced Medical protocols, Non-Urban Emergency Care – A, AST level 1, Organized Avalanche Response Team Member and is licensed as an Emergency Medical Responder. Jenn is a thoughtful, kind, and generous person but one of our favorite things about Jenn is you always know where you stand with her; Jenn we love your candid nature and honesty!

Before Jenn moved to Port Alberni in 2015 she worked as a heavy equipment mechanic in Alberta for her own company ICOR Industries; hence why she is the halls number one handy woman! When she moved to Port Alberni in 2015, she started to volunteer her time in various roles including Vice-President of the EJ Dunn PAC, Emergency Support Services Responder for the Redcross, joined AVRS and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue. Jenn is still actively volunteering with RCM-SAR and AVRS; she truly is the epitome of a community volunteer.

Jesse is a dedicated member who joined when he was just 18 years old and has now been with Alberni Valley Rescue Squad for more than 8 years.

Not only does Jesse have the best hair on the team, seriously look at that flow, but he is also a kind, caring, fun-loving, grounded, and welcoming team member. He always has a smile and a great story to share – think golden retriever energy!!

Jesse holds his Ground Search and Rescue Certification, is a Ground Search Team Leader, hold his Advanced Protocols for the Medical team, is certified in Hoist/ Class D fixed Line for the Air-ops team, Swiftwater Rescue Tech Level 3, Rope Rescue Level 1 and Avalanche Safety Tech Level 1.

Jesse’s favorite thing about Search and Rescue is “Saving lives with the Crew”.

When Jesse isn’t volunteering with Search and Rescue he is working for BCEHS as a Primary Care Paramedic. He also enjoys hiking, climbing, and smashing out a workout at the gym – we all see those gainz Jesse!

Jordan has been with the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad for 3 years.

Jordan is a strong, resilient person who can handle just about everything. Her personality makes a positive impact on everyone on the team.

Jordan holds Ground Search and Rescue certification, Avalanche Skills Level 1, Rope Tech level 1, Non-Urban Emergency Care Advance with advanced medical protocol and hover exit training. Jordan is also part of the health and safety committee.

Jordan says her favourite thing about SAR is: “the unique opportunities to help people in the backcountry alongside people who I consider my second family.”

Jordan works as a Primary Care Paramedic for BCEHS, and when she is not working as a first responder or volunteering at SAR, she is also a dedicated youth worker in our community, working at ADAPS part-time. Recently, Jordan has discovered a love for trail running and is currently training for her first 50km trail race which is taking place in July. She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her partner Seth, playing hockey and spending her downtime at home with her cats Kevin and Eevee.

Kari has been with AVRS for 13 years and also served on the Board of Directors as the secretary for several years. She is Ground Search and Rescue certified, Light Urban Search and Rescue and Rapid Damage Assessment certified. Additionally, she is also a trainer for Hug a Tree and Survive as well as Kayak safety.

Kari is a dedicated, long standing, community focused AVRS member. She is also supportive and helpful in the radio room, relaying messages, communicating and documenting important task information.

Kari is also a knowledgeable and generous, small business owner of Healthy Habits and is our go to source for SAR snacks! Healthy Habits is best place in town to get your Blocks and Salt Tabs!! Additionally, Kari diligently maintains our basket stretcher wheels and has it regularly serviced!

Kari says “I love that every time we are tasked out, it is a completely new, and unknown adventure. I love knowing that we can make such a difference and learn so much from each callout”.

In her free time Kari loves off-road exploring, caving, camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and classic cars.

Lori - Sierra 4, is not only the current President at Alberni Valley Rescue, she is the first female president! Lori has been an AVRS member since 2008. When we think of Lori we think calm, professional, respectful, knowledgeable, hardworking, intelligent, down to earth and friendly. Lori has developed a robust SAR skill set over the years and has sat on the board of directors since 2010 as a director, and Vice president but is now on her second term as President. Over the years with AVRS, she has obtained her Ground Search and Rescue certification, Non Urban Emergency Care level 2, Hover Exit training, Ground Search Team Leader, Adventure Smart Presenter, GSAR instructor and most recently her SAR manager certification. Lori is an exemplary role model, leader and greatly appreciated by all of us at AVRS. Behind the scenes Lori helps keep AVRS running smoothly and dedicates hundreds of volunteer hours a year to AVRS.

Lori says “My favourite thing about SAR are the friendships I’ve made with the team and being able to help out people in their time of need”.

When she’s not volunteering with AVRS Lori is a grade 2 elementary school teacher, mom and wife! Her hobbies include driving her four kids to endless activities, vegetable gardening, backcountry hiking and backpacking!

To say Mike is a dedicated AVRS member is an understatement; he truly is the heart and soul of AVRS and keeps the behind the scene parts moving. Mike sits on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer. He truly is a wizard with excel spreadsheets, the mastermind behind our grant applications and oversees the general financial management of our organization. If that wasn’t enough already he’s also a Search Manager who regularly attends calls 24/7.

Mike is professional, dedicated, organized, knowledgeable and hardworking. He’s also has a great sense of humour and we know he secretly enjoys the wild and crazy playlists that some members on the team play!! Mike says “I enjoy working in teams, helping plan and execute searches and medical rescues and helping lost and injured people find their way back home”.

His qualifications include Ground Search and Rescue Certification, Search Manager, NUEC 2 first aid, Tracker, retired from rope rescue and Swiftwater rescue.

Mike may be retired from his day job but he stays very busy by volunteering for various organizations including coaching Special Olympics athletics and fitness classes. His Hobbies include running, hiking, kayaking, biking, fitness.

Nick has been with AVRS since 2015 and in that time Nick has accumulated a vast amount of SAR knowledge and experience both through his dedication to training, attending courses to advance his skill set and the volume of calls he attends. Nick truly may be the most dedicated member on the team when it comes to attending call outs, there are very few searches that Nick misses out on. Last year Nick accepted a nomination for the AVRS board of directors and was elected to the board to further share his knowledge and expertise. This year Nick moved in to the role as out Vice President

Nick holds his Ground Search Team Leader, Avalanche Team Leader, Rope Team Leader, Swiftwater Level 3 technician, Hosit/CDFL team and is also on the Advanced medical team. Nick’s knowledgeable, level-headed, safe and collaborative approach to the team leader role has really made him the “go to guy” on many searches. Most of us at AVRS know the minute

“My favorite thing about SAR is definitely the people and the experiences that you get from this kind of volunteer organization. I can’t begin to describe the relationships that you build alongside your fellow volunteers during different stressful situations. These kinds of friendships I wouldn’t change for anything; they truly help you grow as a person and build you into a stronger version of yourself”.

 Nick Bordeleau. His official call sign is Sierra 9 but he’s also known as “Pooh Bear” and not because he loves honey but because he truly is one of the most kind-hearted, friendly, thoughtful guys who is always willing to help out. If you are new to the AVRS Nick is one of the first people to welcome you and make you feel a part of the team.

Nick started with AVRS when he was just 17 years old and has been apart of the team for 13 years now. He is Ground Search and Rescue certified, a Ground Search Team Leader and most recently he obtained his Search Manager Certification. Nick is also a part of the CDLF/Hoist team, Rope team and Boat Operators Team. If that wasn’t enough already Nick was a long time member on the board of directors, over seeing the motor-pool operations and a member of the Air-Ops committee.

Nick’s favourite thing about SAR is getting the opportunity to help someone who is injured or has lost their way in the bush.

When Nick isn’t volunteering for SAR he works as a Primary Care Paramedic for BCEHS. He enjoys hunting, fishing, backcountry skiing, mountain biking and when he is not doing those activities you can find Nick out for walks with his lovely wife Shay and dog Sunny!

Nik Findlay also affectionately known on the AVRS team as Lil’ Niky!

Nik is a calm, cool, collected and a down to earth, team player. He’s a hard worker who is always willing to jump in and help when needed. He may seem a little quiet at first but once you get to know him he’s got a great sense of humour and drops some unexpected one liners!

Nik has been with the team for 4 years and his call sign is A-21. He has his ground search and rescue certification as well as his Non-Urban Emergency Care Level 2. He is the team’s Safety Officer and is the lead for the health and safety committee.

Nik says his favourite thing about SAR is “Helping people that are in need of our services and obviously working alongside our amazing team”.

Nik works as an HVAC technician, volunteers for Cherry Creek Fire Department and plays softball. He also has a wicked throw with a dodgeball so look out! Nik is a dedicated volunteer in the Alberni Valley.

Rick Johns, Sierra 1 and a five year AVRS member! Rick is a dedicated, energetic and enthusiastic member who loves all things related to SAR!

Rick's past work history with the Canadian Armed Forces has been an asset in his abilities to use old school map and compass, navigation and survival skills. He also puts together an amazing PowerPoint to facilitate great lessons about communication and technology!

Over the last five years Rick has added to his list of qualifications in avalanche skills, swift water rescue, Non-Urban Emergency Care, Advanced Medical Protocols, a licensed Emergency Medical Responder, on the Hoist and long line teams, as well as a Ground Search Team Lead, and Search Manager. Rick also volunteers his time on the AVRS board of directors keeping our team on the peak of new technology.

When Rick isn't responding with AVRS his day job is out on the streets of Port Alberni as a police officer with the RCMP. However, we all secretly think he wants to be a Paramedic with BCAS as he loves all things medical related!

In his free time Rick enjoys camping with his family, walking his dog or exploring the back roads around the valley and often a combination of all of the above.

Rory Ford, Alberni Valley Rescue Squads longest serving member. Rory has been with the team for over 25 years; this man predates GPS, Cal Topo, “pinging locations” and satellite phones! He really knows how to use a paper map and a compass! He has spent years in the back country finding all the secret hidden trails on the island and has been on more calls than anyone else on our team.

Rory is one of those members that you can send out on any task, a jack of all trades kind of guy. He is a part of almost every team at AVRS including: The Boat Team, swift water team, rope team, Avalanche Team as an AST level 2, holds a Non-Urban Emergency Certification at the Intermediate level, UTV operator, he is Light Urban Search and Rescue certified, Ground Search and Rescue certified and is also a Ground Search and Rescue Team Leader.

Rory is a selfless, helpful, dedicated, caring person. One of Rory’s many claims to fame was skillfully locating and rescuing a lost dog after our SAR call. Rory is the guy who will just show up to a call and jump right in to help. Rory spent hours searching until he found the dog “cliffed” out. He spent an hour coaxing the dog along and then eventually he put the dog on his shoulders and made his way down.

“It was old school, bark only contact, no GPS ping”!

Rory says “the thing I like most about SAR is knowing our team saved someone’s life and could give closure to the families of the ones we couldn’t”.

 Ryan Devries, call sign Sierra 8. Ryan has been with Alberni Valley Rescue Squad for 4 years.

Ryan is a professional, logical, focused and organized SAR volunteer. These attributes have served him well in the SAR Manager role. Additionally, Ryan sits on the board of directors and helps manage our kit shop and data entry. Ryan holds his Ground Search and Rescue certification, Ground Search Team Leader and Search Manager Level 1, Non-Urban Emergency Care level 3, Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 and Organized Avalanche Response Team Member (OARTM) training. Our favourite Ryan quote from his OARTM is “Here to learn some knowledge and burn some cals”!

Ryan’s favourite thing about SAR is “the ability to bring together highly trained volunteers at a moments notice to help someone on their worst day”.

Ryan also brings a strong medical background to SAR as he works as a Primary Care Paramedic for BCEHS. When he’s not working or volunteering for SAR he is a volunteer Firefighter for Cherry Creek Fire and works as a Referee for the BCHL. We aren’t sure Ryan owns regular clothes just a vast collection of uniforms.

Lets go Stripes!

Stephanie Marsh a.k.a Steph who has been with AVRS for over six years. Her call sign is A-11. Stephanie is an experienced, compassionate, supportive and dedicated member. She has worked hard and put in the extra hours to obtain her Rope Tech 2 certification this past year.

Steph’s favourite thing about SAR is “learning new skills to help make our community and back country community a safer place”.

Steph is Ground Search and Rescue certified, the rope teams only Rope Tech level 2, Swiftwater Rescue Level Tech 3, Non-Urban Emergency Care Level 3 with Advanced Medical Protocols and Avalanche Safety Tech level 1.

Steph works for the City of Port Alberni. When she isn’t volunteering with Search and Rescue or at work you can find her crushing her workouts in the Gym - she loves a good leg day! She also enjoys playing baseball, volleyball and hockey. Her favourite hikes take her into the mountains to enjoy those beautiful top of the world views!