Technical Search and Rescue

https://calendar.countygp.ab.ca/default/Detail/2026-06-13-1100-AdventureSmart-Survive-Outside-Workshop

A few weeks ago, our members headed out to the Dunes Wapiti Staging Area for an evening of field training. Team members put their search and rescue skills into practice by locating a simulated patient, marking key locations using CalTopo, and safely extricating the patient back to the parking area.

Our RPAS (drone) team was also deployed during the exercise, providing aerial support while ensuring pilots maintained and practised their flight competencies in a realistic operational environment.

Training opportunities like these help our members maintain their skills, improve teamwork, and stay prepared for future search and rescue operations.

June 5, 2026



Grande Prairie RCMP and GPPS request public assistance in locating missing person



Grande Prairie, Alta. - Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police Service are seeking public assistance in locating missing 37-year-old Chase Howkins, of no fixed address, who is normally in the Grande Prairie area. He was last seen on May 15, 2026, in Grande Prairie. RCMP and GPPS are worried for his wellbeing and would like to speak with him.



Chase is described as:

Pale complexion;
5 feet 7 inches;
146 pounds;
Brown hair; and
Brown eyes.



If you have any information on Chase’s whereabouts, please call the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment at 780-830-5700. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).

Four of our members recently took part in the Motorized Swiftwater Rescue Boat Operator course, delivered by Raven Rescue . This hands-on training focused on rescue boat operations in moving water, including watercraft handling, hazard identification, man-overboard scenarios, victim rescue, and on-water safety. We would like to thank Search and Rescue Association of Alberta for the training grant and funding support that made this course possible, as well as our partners from the Greenview Fire-Rescue Services Grovedale and Grande Cache fire stations who trained alongside our members.

Thank you, Bailey Randolph, for your 7 years of dedicated service with Grande Prairie Technical Search and Rescue, including your roles as Planning Director and Fundraising Director.

Your commitment to fundraising efforts, public events, and the SAR prevention program has made a lasting impact on both the team and our community.

You will be greatly missed, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside incredible community organizations like the Grande Prairie Air Cadets through shared training and collaborative learning opportunities.

On April 18, Technical Search & Rescue members joined the cadets for a hands-on training day focused on teamwork, leadership, first aid, stretcher carries, rope extractions, patient transfers, and signal fire building. These types of joint exercises help build valuable skills, strengthen partnerships, and give participants real-world experience in a safe training environment.

Thank you to the cadets, our new recruits, and volunteers who took part in the day. We look forward to continuing to work together with amazing organizations throughout our community.

This morning, members of the Grande Prairie Technical Search and Rescue team were out taking part in the County Clean Up program in Zone 39 along Township Road 742 east of Highway 2, covering approximately 3.5 km of roadway.

The roadside cleanup program helps support local non-profit organizations while keeping our community clean and looking its best.

Thank you to all of our members who came out this morning to volunteer their time and help make a difference in our community.

***Located ***

May 22, 2026



Grande Prairie RCMP requests public assistance in locating missing person



Grande Prairie, Alta. – Grande Prairie RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating missing 36-year-old Colin Rankin. He was last seen on May 21, 2026, around 2:38 p.m., in Grande Prairie. RCMP is worried for his wellbeing and would like to speak with him.



Colin is described as:

Pale complexion;
5 feet, 6 inches;
135 pounds;
Brown hair often kept in ponytail or bun;
Blue eyes;
Known to have a mustache;
Has a tear drop tattoo under right eye, names tattooed over each eyebrow and multiple other tattoos; and
Last seen wearing a grey hoodie, dark pants, white shoes.



If you have any information on Colin’s whereabouts, please call the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment at 780-830-5701 If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).