Five Star squad lends a hand

One of the Lloydminster Rescue Squad boats recently got a custom upgrade from a local business.

The crew at Five Star Industries has been working on the system for about six months, and it is proving to be a real game-changer for members of the rescue squad.

“Five Star Industries has designed and manufactured this A-frame system that’s connected to the boat. They designed it custom for our application, which is our towed side-scan sonar. And as well, they mounted the cover and box for the winch that holds our tether that tows the side-scan sonars,” said Lloydminster Rescue Squad deputy chief Ryan LeBlanc.

“Without this A-Frame system, we wouldn’t be able to properly do our job when it comes to towing the side-scan–so it’s something we were needing. We met with Randy and Kevin, and explained to them what we were doing, and this is what they came up with.”

The new equipment has come in handy, as the rescue squad has already had four calls for service involving water searches this year.

“The last one was out by Moose Jaw. We were able to locate the individual a very short time after because of the equipment and services that we’re able to provide now. It’s certainly been something we’ve already used and has been a major help for what we’ve been doing,” LeBlanc explained. actually do the full recovery of that individual, while having the utmost respect for that individual and the most care,” said LeBlanc.

Plans for the project were discussed in the fall, with construction and mounting going on throughout the winter at the Five Star Industries shop.

“It’s something we’re proud of, that we’re able to provide this service and have the proper equipment to do it. We have a basket that it (the lift) tethers to and we can lower it into the water and then we can put the individual into that basket and lift them up.”

Lloydminster Rescue Squad Chief, Norm Namur, says the addition makes their job not only easier, but also safer.

Five Star Industries did the bulk of the work to improve the squad boat, but a couple of other businesses pitched in as well.

“Five Star had it over the winter time and they were able to design, construct and mount all of the equipment and have it ready for service this spring,” said LeBlanc.

“That didn’t hinder our operations because obviously, they did it when the lakes were all frozen.”

In addition to the A-frame system, Five Star also designed a winch unit on the side of the watercraft to assist with rescue calls.

“When we do the recovery ... one of the ways to actually bring the deceased out of the water–they’ve built a lifting system for us, and so we’re able to

“We’re just so thankful for Five Star taking on the project and there was also Lloydminster Nut and Bolt–they donated a lot of the bolts and stuff to it, as well Rogue Custom Coating, they did all of the powder coating for all of the paint on the system that was built,” said LeBlanc.

For Five Star co-owners, Randy and Kevin Wilkie, it was a perfect project to help support their community.

“We do our part where we can. We’re not out there with these guys every day so it’s nice to be able to help provide this,” said Randy.

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