Rovers Search and Rescue Team of Northeast Avalon improving volunteer training thanks to a $600,000 contribution from Hibernia
ST. JOHN’S, NL – A $600,000 investment to the Rovers Search and Rescue Team of the Northeast Avalon by Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) will support the establishment of a Regional Volunteer Search and Rescue Response and Training Facility in Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador. By partnering with the Town of Paradise and developing this facility, the Rovers will be able to respond more quickly to incidents and improve training for search and rescue volunteers.
“The Rovers are extremely pleased to accept this significant contribution from Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. as it will make our goal of developing a state-of-the-art ground search and rescue training facility a reality. Since the team first began over 40 years ago we have continually expanded our capabilities and capacities as a volunteer SAR team with the goal to deliver the best possible service to the citizens of the north east Avalon region. With the assistance of HMDC we will be able to add further capacity to our organization both today and well into the future,” says Harry Blackmore, Team President for Rovers Search & Rescue Inc.
The new facility will have a training room equipped with multi-media teaching technologies; a venue to offer prevention programs to youth; audio/visual equipment for offsite presentations along with ample office and storage space. "The Rovers provide a critical public service with extreme volunteer effort. We are thrilled at the level of support offered by HMDC that will enable us to achieve our goal of constructing a state-of-the-art training facility to enhance or service to the public," says Geoff Goodyear, President/Chief Operating Officer of Universal Helicopters Newfoundland Limited and honorary chair of the Rovers Building Committee. "We congratulate HMDC on their vision and support for such a dedicated group."
“The Town of Paradise is delighted to have partnered with the Rovers to see this project become a reality. The location of the Rovers Building; adjacent to the Town Hall, will be an excellent addition and complement the area well,” says Ralph Wiseman, Mayor of the Town of Paradise. “We look forward to working with our new neighbors for many years to come.”
In addition to improved response times and training, this support will improve overall infrastructure for search and rescue readiness; develop training facilities and offer the ability to deliver outdoor prevention and education programs.
“We understand the importance of having the right training to do the job. It is critical for the Rovers to ensure they are prepared to respond when needed,” says Jamie Long, President of Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. “We are impressed with the services they provide voluntarily to the region and are pleased to provide this financial support.”
The Regional Volunteer Search and Rescue Response and Training facility aims to ensure higher levels of safety to residents of the Northeast Avalon. This facility will make certain that search and rescue volunteers will be able to do their jobs effectively and safely.
About Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd.:
Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) is the operator of the Hibernia field which began petroleum production on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland and Labrador in November 1997. HMDC is owned jointly by ExxonMobil Canada (33.125%), Chevron Canada Resources (26.875%), Suncor Energy (20%), Canada Hibernia Holding Corporation (8.5%), Murphy Oil (6.5%) and Statoil Canada Ltd. (5%).