Prince George resident Louis Dery was honoured with a Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer award Tuesday at the B.C. Legislature for his work with B.C.'s Provincial Emergency Program Air.
A PEP Air volunteer since 2005, Dery is a trained spotter and navigator and has become an instructor in both categories.
In addition, he is a qualified search coordinator and has taken on the additional responsibility of deputy zone commander.
PEP AIR is a B.C.-wide volunteer aviation association that promotes aviation safety and provides air search support services to the National Search and Rescue Program.
Dery was recently selected to attend the military Searchmaster course in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Each year, up to four non-military personnel from across Canada are selected to attend this highly coveted training program.
When Dery completes the course, he will be certified nationally as an assistant searchmaster.
"Those who provide rescue services sacrifice family time and often work in challenging weather and environmental conditions," Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris said. "This award recognizes Lou Dery's very significant commitment in serving our residents."
