PRESS RELEASE from Nelson Search and Rescue

A public memorial in honour of Sheilah Sweatman, the Nelson Search and Rescue volunteer who died in the line of duty last month, will take place at the soccer fields in Lakeside Park this Saturday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m.

Photo courtesy of Callout: Search and Rescue.

“Sheilah made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out her duties as a search and rescue volunteer,” says Colin Wiebe, vice-president of the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA).

“The importance of volunteers in public safety cannot be overestimated, and Sheilah’s team was one of six involved in rescue operations that day.

Her story is a testament to the spirit of individual commitment and interagency cooperation that are characteristic of the province’s search and rescue volunteers.”

The public is invited to pay their respects to Sweatman, along with her family, visiting dignitaries and emergency services personnel, including hundreds of search and rescue volunteers from around the province. Due to the large number of visitors expected to attend the memorial, people are encouraged to arrive at Lakeside Park on foot.

It’s also recommended they bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen.

Traffic disruptions are to be expected, as vehicle access to and parking at Lakeside Park will be closed from 11 p.m., Friday, July 22, to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 23.

Please note the following temporary road closures for the morning of July 23:

• at the corner of Lakeside Drive and Hall Street near the airport.
• at the main access to Chahko Mika Mall at the corner of Poplar Street and Front Street.

Alternate access routes to the mall and to the city transfer station will remain open. Finally, Nelson Airport will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Map