HISTORY OF RIDEAU SAR
Rideau Search And Rescue started out as the Rideau Regional Search and Rescue Team. The team was formed in 1975 following the untimely death of a resident of the Rideau Regional Centre that wandered away from the facility during a snowstorm. Following an inquiry, the Canadian Armed Forces was brought in to train selected staff who formed the initial search team. Over the next few years, protocols were put into place at the facility and additional interested staff were selected and trained to the standards the CAF put forth.
The Rideau Regional Centre
The O.P.P. Worked closely with the RRSAR team on searches where residents left the property. This evolved into being called out to assist when the O.P.P. needed additional trained people. Over the years of operation, the team was often called upon to assist with emergencies both in the facility and in the community.Â
When OSARVA was established in 1992 the Rideau Regional Search and Rescue Team became a member team and has been to this day.
With the closure of the Rideau Regional Centre in 2009 the team was disbanded and its assets sold off. The team was quickly re-established in Smiths Falls under the name Rideau Search And Rescue by a dedicated group of members.
Today Rideau SAR is a dedicated team of volunteers that continues the tradition of giving back to the community. We are trained, equipped, and ready to help.