—Local “Search and Rescue” Training Event—
Anthony Fromm, President PGSAR
OXFORD—Amherst Shore Provincial Park was a hub of activity on Saturday, April 5th. With orange-clad first responders out in force, antennas sprouting out of vehicles, and signage set up at roadsides, one could be forgiven for thinking a flying saucer might have just set down on the beach.
A quick conversation with any of the volunteers would have quickly set you straight: Pugwash Ground Search and Rescue (PGSAR) was conducting a large-scale training exercise.
“We had about 30 members in attendance,” says Anthony Fromm, president of PGSAR, “as well as a number of our service vehicles.”
Fromm says four stations were set up in the area, each focusing on a different skill-set: compass work, two different search techniques (grid and so-called “hasty”) as well as transportation. Groups rotated between the stations—Springhill’s SAR team also sent three members—in service to what the president called a “mock” search event.
“Mock search allows us to keep up to date with our training and also make sure our equipment is running properly.”
Teams navigated using GPS, communicated with the command post via radio, and used first aid techniques when they located a pretend-victim. The group’s leader says they have a new command post vehicle; he was happy with how the equipment it contains performed.
“The teams were very enthusiastic and the tasks that were designed worked very well.”
Holding a large-scale event this time of year invites the added complication of unpredictable weather. Fromm says the temperatures were cool but, with sunny skies, there were no issues. He says they encountered no issues with concerned citizens, either. “The park is pretty quiet this time of year and we have signage saying we’re doing training.”
Thirty PGSAR members is an impressive turnout for a volunteer organization with 40 members total, and Fromm says they’ve attracted a lot of new members.
“I…really like being out in the woods,” he says, “and this is a good opportunity to give back to the community.”
The president emphasizes the breadth of PGSAR’s role in the region.
“We can be called out to different areas of the province. We also can be called upon to assist during natural disasters, and have done wellness checks during storms.”
So no UFOs. But the province’s extensive woodlands can feel pretty alien if you’re lost or injured. A network of search and rescue teams—including PGSAR—are on-call 24-7 to help. And if you’re interested in getting involved, new volunteers are always welcome. Contact pugwashgsar@hotmail.com.
THIS FALL: NO BUNNY LEFT BEHIND
A Fundraising recreational activity for PGSAR!
Saturday 11 October 2025, 10:00am — 12:00pm
Come join us in Oxford for a fun Bunny run! This will be held on the beautiful groomed trails around the Town of Oxford in support of Pugwash Ground Search and Rescue. This event is open to all levels of runners and walkers. registration will go live soon and will be $40 with all proceeds going to Pugwash GSAR. We are currently working on a possible medal as well.
We will offer two distances. 1) Bitty Bunny will be a 4k loop ideal for people who want to walk or are new to trail running. It includes some nice single track that is the Bunny loop 2) Biggy Bunny will be a 10k version which will include the Bunny trail plus some extra fun involving the Red Bridge, Graffiti Tunnel and maybe some interesting double track near the sink holes (don’t fall in)
REGISTER HERE: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/101931/no-bunny-left-behind
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