Marcel Schur admitted he wasn’t exactly sure what he was winning upon receiving a congratulatory letter from the City of Red Deer in April.
Since then, however, he has learned that he’ll be one of the two recipients to take home the top prize at the annual Mayor’s Recognition Awards Presentation Ceremony.
Schur is being honoured with the Mayor’s Special Award for his ongoing commitment as a team leader with Red Deer Search and Rescue, an organization he founded in 1996.
“It’s quite an honour not only for myself but all my team members,” Schur said.
“It’s not a one-person thing, it’s totally based on a team and without a team it would’ve been impossible.”
The 50-year-old has spent his life following the search and rescue motto that states “This we do that others may live.”
The Edmonton native moved to Red Deer in 2000 after a 20-year career with the army.
He was a member of the local St. John Ambulance team until it folded, a situation that inspired him to spearhead the formation of the search and rescue team in Red Deer.
And about two years ago, he started the Canadian International Rescue Organization.
“Marcel spends all of his time, if he’s not working, doing something with search and rescue in Central Alberta,” said Bev Sliger, president of Red Deer Search and Rescue who nominated Schur for the award.
“He works hard to make sure that the people in Central Alberta, no matter where they live or what their financial means are, have free access to a well-trained team.”
She said she was thrilled upon learning Schur was selected for the award.
“My first thought was it’s about time,” Sliger said.
Schur noted this is the first time the city has presented the organization with an award.
Red Deer Search and Rescue provides an emergency response team for any disaster across the province.
The team was in charge of the search effort following the Pine Lake tornado in 2000 and is also routinely called to assist police with evidence searches.
“Everything we train, practise and spend our money on is so we can help somebody else survive,” Schur said.
The group has grown to about 70 members, up from five when it was formed 14 years ago.
The Canadian International Rescue Organization features a team comprised of mostly Alberta members who have provided their services at the earthquake disasters in Italy and Indonesia and well as in a search effort in Africa.
Schur, who is currently in Fort McMurray for his job as a safety contractor, will not be able to attend the awards ceremony on Tuesday night. His wife will accept the award on his behalf.
Diane Lehr, who has created innovative solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities, will also be presented with the Mayor’s Special Award at the presentation.
Rene Michalak, co-ordinator of ReThink Red Deer, and Ross Stafford, who works with the Central Alberta Music Festival Society committee, will both receive Distinguished Voluntary Service awards.
Continuous Voluntary Service awards will be presented to Ray Dunham, Flo M. Johnston, Bob Kruchten, Winnifred Ledieu, Jean Lopeter, Tammy Payne, Helga Rollman, Pat Setters, Margret Smith and Bas van der Hoek.
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com