Our Organization

The Huron and Area Search & Rescue was founded in 2018. Noticing a gap in volunteer long term search and rescue, Adam Seltzer began to research the idea of a professionally trained civilian search and rescue organization that could fill this niche. With the assistance of Patrick Armstrong and Jamie Mitchell, HASAR was formed and began to recruit motivated people for its 'officer' ranks. These leaders would help to form the core of the organization. By November 2018, HASAR had taken over 50 volunteers who began their basic SAR training.

In 2019, HASAR received its AdventureSmart accreditation and has deployed a team of 10 members to the Ottawa flooding. Members continue to train and prepare for the ground and marine component of HASAR. HASAR is a member of the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA).

HASAR is comprised of four key pillars; the Board of Directors along with three Branches; Field Support; Field Operations & Marine.

Board of Directors

The Huron and Area Search & Rescue Board of Directors serve as a governance board; and oversee the spending and adherence to the mission statement of the organization. The Board of Directors are dedicated members of the community who are excited to see the growth of HASAR and its membership.

Chair: Wayne McConnell, C.D.
Vice Chair: Jodie Grainger
Treasurer: Kathie Ingram
Secretary: Emma Bartz
Director: Anne-Marie Thomson
Director: Crystal Taylor
Director: Deb Logue

Field Support Branch

The Field Support Branch is made up of volunteers who hold various administrative positions to ensure that the safety, training and equipment of the volunteers is overseen. The Field Support Branch looks after the volunteers so that they can focus on the search.

HASAR Commander: Adam Seltzer (Interim HASAR Commander: Patrick Armstrong)
Field Support Commander: Phil Hordijk, M.B.
Incident Commanders: Laura White, Shawn DeJong, Chris Cleave, Chris Fedorko, C.D., Larry Baker
Administrative Officer: Kelli Consitt
Logistics Officer: Dave Matheson
Medical Officer: Sam Romyn
Public Relations Officer: Heather Boa
Safety Officer: Jason Vandermeer
Training Officer: Laura White

Field Operations Branch

The Field Operations Branch is the workhorse of the HASAR volunteers. The searchers and trained rescue personnel make up this large and highly motivated core of volunteers. The Field Operations Branch is the branch that members of the public will see the most.

Field Operations Commander: Jamie Mitchell
A Platoon Captain: David Greer
B Platoon Captain: David Matheson
A Platoon Lieutenant: Shane Watson
B Platoon Lieutenant: Shea Bradley
Community Projects Liaison: Spencer Whitelaw

Marine Branch

The Marine Branch is made up of full time and part time volunteers who operate the organization's vessel, the Rescue Vessel Firefighter John Miller as well as small boats for ponds and inshore waters.

Marine Commander: Patrick Armstrong
Marine Captain: Jim Peever
Marine Lieutenants: Ashton Marlow, Christian Strike