News Release
Commissionaires Contributing to Emergency Effort at Slave Lake
Commissionaires assist in securing and controlling
access into Slave Lake’s devastated residential sector
Edmonton, 15 June 2011 - Commissionaires recently deployed to the Town of Slave Lake to support provincial emergency authorities in the wake of the most devastating forest fire Northern Alberta has experienced in almost 30 years.
The catastrophe has destroyed 40% of Slave Lake, consuming countless houses and apartments and forcing the rapid evacuation of more than 7,000 residents. The scope of the destruction prompted Alberta Emergency Management Agency to call on Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division to assist in securing and controlling access into the damaged sector. Eight commissionaires divided into four mobile patrol teams were quickly deployed to the area and commenced operations on May 27th, 2011. This role quickly transitioned to establishing and manning entry points into the cordoned damaged sector, allowing residents access to their homes to assess the situation and salvage small items surviving the carnage. Controlled entry has also been granted to insurance appraisers, enabling them to initiate claims and expedite the recovery process for the disasters’ many victims.
“On very short notice Commissionaires was able to deploy trained, experienced security professionals to support one of the most tragic emergencies Alberta has experienced in recent history,” according to John Slater, Chief Executive Officer of Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division. “Our people are trained to respond to difficult situations like this. We are proud to contribute to this collective effort and help people who have suffered immeasurably.”
The mission has been demanding and emotionally charged, with commissionaires guiding residents as they return to their damaged and gutted homes for the first time since fleeing. In most instances, their sense of loss, grief and despair has been palpable. Providing some measure of solace to the victims has gone hand-in-glove with the task of controlling movement in and out of the area.
“It’s been a tremendous challenge,” stated Rick Taylor, Team Leader for the commissionaires’ Slave Lake contingent. “The operating environment is very difficult. These people have been through so much – it’s absolutely devastating. Fortunately, the work that we’re doing is important. We’re making a positive difference and that is extremely rewarding.”
There is also a personal connection to the tragedy for the eight commissionaires, who deployed with virtually no notice from Edmonton and have been working relentlessly since arriving. Three of their brethren serving in Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division are Slave Lake victims, forced to flee as fire consumed their homes.
It is not known for how much longer Commissionaires Northern Alberta Division’s support will be needed. However, one thing is certain; as long as their contribution is required, commissionaires will be on the ground answering the call, as they have for 85 years and counting.
About Commissionaires
Commissionaires was founded in 1925 to provide meaningful employment opportunities for former members of Canada’s military, a role that was later expanded to include former RCMP personnel as well. The organization has long been recognized as a premier Canadian security provider, protecting people and property and delivering security solutions for public and private sector clients from coast to coast. Commissionaires is able to deliver upon its mandate of providing short and long-term employment options to those making the transition to civilian life following military and police service by operating a thriving, self-sustaining private business. The organization also hires many responsible, motivated individuals without military or police experience. Its core values of dedication, responsibility, experience and sense of mission are embodied in the culture of Commissionaires, setting it apart in the security industry.
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