The November 2021 atmospheric storm event caused widespread devastation among residents in the affected areas.
The Sumas River overflowed making its way into Abbotsford.
As the flooding was happening in real time, evacuations had to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Evacuation notices were being put out by our team to try and get people away from their homes because we were expecting the high waters,” said James Roe, team president for the Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue (CFVSAR). “Within a couple of hours of us doing that, the water levels have gone up so quickly that we were actually switching over to a rescue role.”
Roe and the CFVSAR team now had to locate and secure individuals who are essentially stuck in their area
“We would just keep getting notices from the police or the fire department telling us where there are people stranded either on cars in the water or at their homes,” said Roe. “With the roads flooded, they have no way of getting out on their own.”
Challenges keep piling on to the team as Roe explained that the second day of the flood was expected to be worse than what has already transpired.
“It was believed that the water levels were going to rise significantly higher,” said Roe. “People were suspecting that our pump station in Sumas area wasn’t going to keep back all the water which made it so our base of operations was actually in the flood plane.”
CFVSAR had to move their base of operations to the University of Fraser Valley, continuing operations out of the campus parking lot.
Over 200 lives were saved during the CFVSAR rescue mission which lasted for 12 days having people working 12 hour shifts each day.
Central Fraser Valley received great assistance from SAR teams from Coquitlam, Ridge Meadows, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, South Fraser, and North Shore Rescue.
Leading the charge, the valiant efforts of the individuals at CFVSAR had earned them the very first ever, John MacGregor Memorial Award.
The award was established by John MacGregor Horne, who named the award after his namesake, World War I Veteran, John MacGregor.
“I am confident he would be pleased and honoured to know the Association has decided to bestow the inaugural John MacGregor Memorial Award on all members of Central Fraser Valley SAR Team and the seven other ground search and rescue groups who performed above and beyond during the devastating flood disaster last fall”, said Horne, “and I congratulate and thank all of them for their magnificent efforts.”
MacGregor is considered to be the most decorated Canadian soldier for valour. Some of this war hero’s highest distinctions include; Victoria Cross, Military Cross and Bar, Distinguished Conduct Medal and both 1914-18 and 1939-45 Stars.
“We’re honoured to be selected for this award,” said Roe. “We’re happy with how our mission came out in the end.”
CFVSAR, after completing the mission, have reassessed their preparations for disaster events that may take place in the future.
“It helped us learn what we can expect in a flooding situation out in Abbotsford in the future,” said Roe. “It’s going to help change our model for training, we’re looking at changing our equipment, upgrading our boats to something more effective in a flood situation.”
