Chilliwack Search and Rescue Competes for SUV in Defender Awards

Chilliwack Search and Rescue (SAR) has secured its position as one of five finalists in the prestigious 2025 Defender Service Awards. This recognition places the team among the busiest rescue organizations in British Columbia and highlights their critical role in emergency response across challenging terrains. As a finalist, Chilliwack SAR stands a chance to win a brand new Defender 130 SUV, along with $30,000 USD in cash.

“We are absolutely delighted to be selected as a finalist in this year’s Defender Service Awards,” said Kyle Klassen, president of Chilliwack Search and Rescue. He emphasized that a Land Rover Defender would significantly enhance the capability of their 40 dedicated volunteers, enabling them to respond more efficiently to emergencies in the rugged landscapes they cover.

Impact of the Award on Local Rescue Operations

Chilliwack SAR is distinguished as the only finalist from British Columbia and one of just three Canadian organizations in the running. The team is renowned for its expertise in handling a wide range of rescue situations, including ground searches, rope rescues, helicopter extractions, mountain rescues, swift-water rescues, and avalanche incidents. Their operations span an area of approximately 1,100 square kilometers, characterized by rugged mountains, whitewater rivers, and backcountry wilderness. The region attracts many outdoor enthusiasts, leading to over 100 rescue call-outs each year.

“This SUV would be customized to our specifications and would make a huge difference in our operations,” Klassen added. Tom Pearson, a member of Chilliwack SAR, expressed excitement about the opportunity to win, urging the community for support. “To stand a chance of winning, we need as many willing partners as possible to engage their social media platforms and email databases to vote for us daily,” he stated.

Voting for the Defender Service Awards will take place online from October 3 to October 19, 2025. The winners will be announced on November 15, 2025. Pearson noted that the team is committed to maximizing community engagement during this period, recognizing the potential positive impact on their operational capabilities.

The Significance of the Defender Service Awards

The Defender Service Awards, presented by Chase, honor nonprofit and charitable organizations that embody the spirit of adventure and humanitarian service. According to Sam Allen, U.S. Brand Director at Defender, the awards celebrate the dedication of these organizations to serving their communities. “Their unwavering dedication to service reflects the spirit of the Defender brand and our commitment to supporting those who drive real change,” he remarked.

Chilliwack SAR operates around the clock, seven days a week, to provide lifesaving services in areas where traditional emergency services may not be able to reach. Their consistent commitment to public safety is evident as they address the growing number of thrill-seeking tourists drawn to the region’s outdoor activities such as mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and white-water rafting.

The Chilliwack SAR team encourages community members and supporters to participate in this voting process, which could result in significant improvements to their emergency response capabilities without any financial burden on the local community. With the voting link available on their website, they have also created a QR code to facilitate easy access for voters.

As the competition unfolds, the Chilliwack Search and Rescue team remains focused on rallying community support to secure a brighter future for their rescue operations through the Defender Service Awards.