The St. John’s Regional Fire Department is getting out of the helicopter rescue business.
The ground search and rescue function is going to be taking over by the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association. That group already provides the service to the rest of the province.
Over the last two years, all helicopter rescue services in the province were grounded until the provincial government secured a new helicopter contract; now all aspects of that rescue system must be approved through Transport Canada.
Harry Blackmore, President of the provincial association, says their volunteers have been trained in the new regulations and are equipped to offer the service to the entire province.
Chief Sherry Colford says their own team is no longer certified to offer the service under the new regulations.
During the period 2012 to 2019, the regional fire department responded to five calls for service.
Continuing the service under the new regulations would have cost the fire department tens of thousands of dollars per year more than what it would normally have to spend.