Clearwater hosts first how-to-track course for search and rescue

[five_alarm]

CLEARWATER, BC - Trackers from British Columbia and Alberta gathered in Clearwater the weekend of Sept. 17-19 to practice and perfect their skills. Along with two instructors from Universal Tracking Services of Washington state, the teams included all skill levels from the most advanced to those new to the craft. Wells Gray Country Search and Rescue tracker Kevin Deckert organized and hosted the event. Trackers came from as far away as Fort St. John, Kitimat, Osoyoos, and Edmonton, as well as several from Barriere. The training ranged from basic instruction for the beginners in the foundations of the craft, to complex crime scene scenarios for the advanced trackers. To attain a Tracker II certification each person must stay current and active in the program, travel extensively and test his or her skills in various terrain and locations. Level II trackers must be able to follow the sign left by others through difficult terrain and complex situations, as well as being able to coordinate numerous tracking teams in operational situations.

Source: clearwatertimes.com (http://www.firehall.com/refer.php?url=http://www.clearwatertimes.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=7()cat=43()id=302995()more=&linkid=951&parent=news(headlines)&)