SRD Remembers Keeva – Campbell River Search and Rescue’s First Validated SAR Dog
September 17, 2007 - December 4, 2019
SRD Remembers Keeva – Campbell River Search and Rescue’s First Validated SAR Dog
September 17, 2007 – December 4, 2019
Campbell River, BC – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) would like to express its deep condolences to long time Campbell River Search and Rescue (SAR) member Daryl Beck and his family, as their faithful K-9 companion, Keeva sadly passed away this month.
“Keeva spent 6 years as an RCMP validated Wilderness SAR Dog with Daryl Beck and Campbell River Search and Rescue” says Strathcona Regional District Chair Michele Babchuk. “Keeva was the first validated SAR dog in Campbell River Search and Rescue. We say goodbye to Keeva with deep sorrow and we are grateful for her service to our community”.
“K-9 resources are invaluable when searching for missing persons, they are able to stay on a track regardless of things that may distract a human from performing the same task. They’re able to focus on the job and are relentless in their energy and drive. K-9 handlers and their dogs enjoy a unique relationship, they are trained as working dogs but are dogs at heart and Keeva had a great spirit and sense of play as well. She performed admirable in her service years with Campbell River SAR and was successful in many applications of reuniting people back with their families. Keeva will be missed and her loss within the Campbell River Search & Rescue family will be felt, our members are proud to say we served with Keeva” says Grant Cromer, Search Manager with Campbell River Search and Rescue.
The Regional District has gifted two driftwood custom portraits of Keeva to both Daryl Beck and Campbell River Search and Rescue. “This was a very small way for us to pay tribute to a dog who truly has been a hero” says SRD Protective Services Coordinator Shaun Koopman. “Just because Keeva was a K-9 doesn’t make her any less part of our program than any other member. A special thank you to the Quadra Island artist, Alex Witcombe at Driftwood Creations for creating a beautiful portrait of Keeva in such a short time over the busy holiday season.”
The Strathcona Regional District is a partnership of four electoral areas and five municipalities providing services to approximately 44,000 residents.
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Media contact: Shaun Koopman, SRD Protective Services Coordinator
250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca
Photos Attached:
– Driftwood Portrait by Alex Witcombe at Driftwood Creations
– Photo of Keeva
– Keeva’s CR SAR Volunteer Name Tag
