NORTH STAR SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION
1086 Mapleton Road
Mapleton, Maine 04757-4508
Tele: 207-764-3866 Cell: 207-551-4003 Fax: 775-924-5608
Website: http://rmichaud36.tripod.com
NEWS LETTER
Dear friends and members of North Star Search and Rescue
During the month of December we were fortunate to have another search and rescue team merge with North Star Search and Rescue. Perham Search And Rescue is now known as North Star Search And Rescue Perham Division. We are hoping to expand in the northern part of the state as well, and we are already working on such agreements in the Ft. Kent area, and Madawaska area.
Along with the merger came two vehicles, we acquired a 1991 type III service truck, this will be our new command center, which replaces our older model van. We have also expanded our communications equipment as well. We just got approved for another grant, which will expand our radio communications to three more handheld radios and three new base units. We are upgrading our radio communications to accommodate our new rescue vehicle that will be used this summer on the fire lines and also for search and rescue efforts through out Maine.
The rescue sleds have all been serviced and are ready to go if we are called upon to help during an incident during the winter season.
The forestry department has sent me, a new schedule for the S130/190 Basic Forest Fire Fighting Course.
The following is the outline for the course.
February
18th, 2003 1800-2100
19th, 2003 1800-2100 This is the first section of the course
21st, 2003 1800-2100
22nd, 2003 1800-2100
March
3rd, 2003 1800-2100
4th, 2003 1800-2100 This is the second section of the course
5th, 2003 1800-2100
7th, 2003 1800-2100
The third and final phase of the course will be determined at a later date. This section has to do with a field exercise. Once you have completed all course material and the field exercise then you will have a red card. If you would like to take the course with this unit please contact me as soon as possible so I can add you to the list. This is an excellent course, and a good chance to help our Forestry Department in the summer.
At the present time there are members taking the Ham Radio Course every Tuesday night and will soon be taking the Amateur Radio Certification Test in February. The unit is also preparing for the CAN-AM Race, which will begin on March 1st, and conclude on March 5th, 2003. This is a great honor to be asked back again this year to do the 30-mile, 60-mile and the 250-mile races. Last year we did an exceptional job and had a lot of fun. If you would like to help the unit this year provide all the search and rescue efforts for the CAN-AM then please contact me as well so that I can put you on the list of participants. We will be leaving here on February 28th, 2003 and returning the night of March 5th, 2003. I will have a list of materials that you will need in your packs well in advance so that members can prepare their packs for the races.
Our new website is up and running, on this site you can keep updated on events, trainings, searches, and new equipment. Please take a look around and leave any suggestions that you would like to see on the website and I will do my best to get it there.
There will be a business meeting on December 29th, 2002 at 6:00pm. The meeting will be at the American Red Cross Building, located on state street Presque Isle, Maine.
Once again thank you for all your support and time. Without your dedication this unit could not be possible.
Sincerely;
Randolph S. Michaud
Chief
NS-SAR
207-764-3866