Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue Technician dies in training accident
News Release
March 9, 2017 – Winnipeg, Man. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) based at 17 Wing Winnipeg died in an accident during training near Yorkton, Sask. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017.
Originally from Lethbridge, Alta., Master Corporal Alfred Barr was a member of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron. He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2009 as a signals operator, and transferred to the SAR Tech trade in 2015. Upon completion of his training at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue at 19 Wing Comox, B.C. in 2016, he was posted to 435 Squadron.
The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety will be investigating the accident and no further information will be released about the incident while that is ongoing.
Quotes
"Master Corporal Alfred Barr was part of an elite group of specialists whose primary function is to save lives. Ours hearts and prayers goes out to his family and friends as the RCAF mourns this special individual who was willing to lay down his life so that others may live.”
— Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
“As a Search and Rescue Technician, Master Corporal Alfred Barr was committed to saving the lives of Canadians and people in danger. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. His bravery and devotion will be truly missed by the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Armed Forces and all of Canada.”
— Major-General Christian Drouin, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region
“On behalf of all 17 Wing Winnipeg and the entire RCAF, I would like to express my condolences to Master Corporal Alfred Barr’s family, friends and fellow service members. Master Corporal Barr was a valuable member of 435 Squadron’s Search and Rescue team, and he will be deeply missed.”
— Colonel Andy Cook, 17 Wing Winnipeg Commander
Associated Links
Contacts
Derek Gagnon
Public Affairs Officer
17 Wing Winnipeg
Telephone: 204-833-2500 ext. 6499, Blackberry: 204-227-3439
Derek.Gagnon2@forces.gc.ca
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