Members of the Lloydminster Rescue Squad’s Sirens Sapphires Gala committee were pleased to unveil the squad’s new underwater ROV, paid for by last year’s gala, last Tuesday night at the Border Inn and Suites. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
The Lloydminster Rescue Squad (LRS) will have a better chance of bringing closure to those missing loved ones in a timely manner with a major upgrade to its underwater exploration equipment.
The squad is now the owner of a VideoRay Pro 5, which is manufactured in Pennsylvania and designed to handle missions with size, space, weight, and deployment speed constraints, such as infrastructure inspections beyond the reach of divers, search and recovery, exploring at depths of up to 305m, and various others.
The ROV (remotely-operated vehicle) features three thrusters, roughly 1,000 ft. of tether line, and a rotating manipulating jaw designed to retrieve items in confined or hazardous locations.
The ROV’s camera can also be tilted down to focus on the jaw to provide a close view of the operation, an improvement over the squad’s ROV from the ‘90s.
The Lloydminster Rescue Squad had their new ROV on display for media last week at the Border Inn and Suites. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
The new ROV cost just shy of $140K and was purchased using funds raised through the squad’s 2022 Sirens and Sapphires Gala.
Chief Norm Namur and deputy chief Ryan LeBlanc were like two kids on Christmas morning as they unveiled the new ROV to media on a recent Tuesday night at the Border Inn and Suites prior to a 2023 Sirens and Sapphires committee meeting.
“It arrived in Lloyd last night and we’ve officially put it into service, meaning it’s ready for deployment,” said LeBlanc. “It’s a remotely operated underwater vehicle, so in the event someone has an accident and drowns, or an article from underwater needs to be recovered, we have the capability to do that.”
Aside from a major mechanical improvement with VideoRay’s manipulating jaw, LeBlanc explained the technology built into the new unit will be a night and day difference.
“It’s an upgrade from what we had before. We had a Pro 4 and this is a substantial upgrade,” he said.
“We’re excited for the new technology, the maneuverability; everything this new one has to offer. With the new technology with the SONAR, camera capability and the manipulating arm it has, we’ll be able to latch on to things underwater.”
Chief Namur said he’s very pleased with the new unit and is hoping to try it out in the water within the next week.
“I think this new equipment will certainly outdo our old equipment, especially with the technology upgrades, so we’re really excited it,” he said.
“The screen is better, the manipulated arm can swivel and turn, so it gives you a better opportunity to grab something. Also, when we were trying it out the other night, we turned the LED lights on and they just about blinded us, which is great when going through murky waters.”
With last Tuesday night being committee meeting night, Namur wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past, while also looking at the future.
“We’re so grateful for the gala last year and for our committee for choosing this Pro 5, what a difference it’s going to make,” he said.
“With the major sponsors last year, which were Cenovus Energy and Boundary Ford, we were able to purchase this without a loan or anything of that nature. This means so much to us, and knowing what this unit can do to bring closure for families, we’re just so grateful to Cenovus and Boundary Ford for their donations.”
According to LeBlanc, the LRS attended roughly eight water calls last year with a couple already reported in Canada this year.
“Unfortunately, it’s something that does happen, but since Lloydminster has one (of these units) in our community right now, that’s a huge benefit to us,” he said.
“In western Canada, there’s only a couple of these around, so we’re pretty lucky here in Lloyd.”
The squad will be receiving specialized training from an expert from the U.S. for members of its seven-person water team in the coming weeks.
Collectively, Lloyd Rescue has a total of 22 members, all of whom are volunteers.
“When we go out on a call, whether it’s 10 miles or 100 miles, no one gets paid,” said Namur. “We feel it’s such a wonderful opportunity to serve our community and the public. We just enjoy doing it, and all members donate their time, 100 per cent.”
To learn more about Lloyd Rescue and how you can help, visit lloydrescue.ca
