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A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) search and rescue technician (SAR tech) based at 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man., died in a training accident near Yorkton, Sask., on March 8, 2017.
Originally from Lethbridge, Alta., MCpl Alfred Barr, 31, was a member of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based in Winnipeg. 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.
“This afternoon it hit hard to learn of the tragic loss of Master Corporal Alfred Barr,” said Chief of the Defence Staff Jonathan Vance in a March 8 statement. “I would like to offer my sincerest sympathies to Master Corporal Barr’s family and friends, as well as the search and rescue community during this difficult time.”
Search and rescue teams conduct thousands of daring exercises and real-life rescues every year, noted Vance.
“This is not easy work. Today’s loss is a reflection of that selflessness that characterizes their profession, as told in their motto: That others may live.”
Col Andy Cook, commander of 17 Wing Winnipeg, and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan also issued statements offering their condolences to Barr’s family and friends.
“Having had the privilege to meet with members of the search and rescue community, I appreciate the risks they take, day in and day out, in fair and bad weather, to come to the aid of Canadians in peril,” said Sajjan. “This is exactly what Master Corporal Barr was preparing for today.”
The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety is investigating the accident and no further information will be released until that process has concluded.
