SARAB Board of Directors

North West Regional Director

E: nw-director@saralberta.ca P: 780.228.4797

I have been a member of TSR (Grande Prairie Search and Rescue) since 2016 and I’m currently serving as President of the team. I am an instructor for SAR Basics, Facilitator Skills, Lost Person Behaviour and an AdventureSmart trainer. I am also a team lead and a new SAR Manager for the team. Outside of search and rescue I work for Culligan Water Conditioning as the service manager and have been with them for 18 years. I am also an instructor through AHIEA for the CFSC, CFRSC and Hunter Education courses. I am married to my wife Rebecca who I am blessed to have pushed me into my SAR addiction and supports me wholly in it. We have two boys together ages 7 and 13. We love enjoying the outdoors together and taking family trips together.

North West Regional Deputy Director

Please contact Darren if you are interested in filling this position.

North East Regional Director

E: ne-deputy@saralberta.ca P: 780.742.3164

An extremely active member of Fort McMurray Search and Rescue team for eight years. Passionate about personal development and outdoor adventuring of all kinds! Passed along some of these adventurous traits to my wife of 32 years and our five children who have all left on their own adventures. Serving in many different SAR activities like AdventureSmart, Search Manager, ATV/UTV operator and water rescue activities. Currently supporting development of an indigenous SAR response team in Fort Chipewyan. I look forward to supporting my fellow NE groups and SARAB members as they grow and develop.

North East Regional Deputy Director

Please contact Ron if you are interested in filling this position.

North Central Regional Director

E: nc-director@saralberta.ca

In looking to become more active in my local rural community, I landed at Parkland Search and Rescue in the fall of 2019. It has been a challenging and rewarding time since then, gaining new skills, new knowledge and becoming part of a family of like-minded people. I’m the current treasurer of the Parkland team, I’m involved in team training, provide AdventureSmart presentations and have AdventureSmart TTT as well as SAR Basics Instructor training. In January 2023, I had the opportunity to join the provincial board as the North Central Regional Director and look forward to seeing this organization grow. I work as a rural community health nurse but my favourite job is being “Nana” to two fun young granddaughters. Outside of work, SARAB and family time, I love to explore the outdoors – hiking, paddling, and fishing while adding to my hobby photography collection.

North Central Regional Deputy Director

E: nc-deputy@saralberta.ca

Central Regional Director

E: c-director@saralberta.ca

I started search and rescue in 2017, I have a certification in a few rescue areas but not a lot of experience, I am eager to hone my skills. I have 15 years of experience with Junior Forest Wardens which is where I learned 24-hour solo winter survival skills. My passion areas with SAR are Basic Search, Animal Rescue and Water/Ice. I am team lead certified and look forward to becoming a SAR Basics Instructor and AdventureSmart presenter/instructor. I lean more towards the personal part of SAR instead of the logistical and look forward to connecting teams and members across the region.

Central Regional Deputy Director

E: c-deputy@saralberta.ca

My name is Edward Van Heeren, I started on this journey with Rocky SAR in 1991 and have since played a significant role in its growth and success. I have held various positions within Rocky SAR, including Director, Vice President and President. I am also a SAR Manager, Instructor, and Team Leader. I have also been a part of the SARAB board for over two decades. During this time, I have served as the Central Director and Deputy Director, doing my best to move SARAB forward. Outside of my SARAB commitments, I have a thriving career at Edwards Garage, where I have been an Automotive Tech and Parts Specialist for over 33 years. Beyond my professional pursuits, I farm with my wife and two daughters, where we raise beef cattle. When I find some spare time amidst this busy schedule, I have a love of outdoor activities like; fishing, backcountry hiking, and camping with my close friends, allowing me to connect with nature and recharge. Furthermore, I have a passion for cooking and food. I enjoy being the camp cook on our backcountry trips and occasionally at home.

South Central Regional Director

E: sc-deputy@saralberta.ca

Christian has been involved in Cave Rescue and expedition caving for over 15 years, and with the SARAB board at various times since 2015. He holds a Master of Science in Organizational Resilience and has been a corporate security and crisis management professional for over 23 years.

South Central Regional Deputy

Please contact Christian if you are interested in filling this position.

South Regional Director

E: s-director@saralberta.ca

South Regional Deputy Director

E: s-deputy@saralberta.ca