The Port Colborne Marine Auxiliary Rescue unit held it’s 31st Annual General Meeting on January 23, 2020. With 90% of the members in attendance, a new executive board was elected for the 2020 season.

Mr. Norm Dashwood was re-elected Commander of the Port Colborne Marine Auxiliary Rescue for a fifth term by the members of the unit. The Commander of the unit oversees the entire operation and acts as the chairperson of the board.

Mr. Dashwood was also recently elected to the board of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Central and Arctic region), representing 5 Search and Rescue units in District 2 (covering eastern Lake Erie and southwest Lake Ontario).

“I’m proud to be elected to command this unit for another year. I’m proud of the hard work of our members. Our volunteers do an impeccable job of saving lives on the water.”

A member of POCOMAR since 2013, Mr. Dashwood has received a number of commendations from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. This includes medals for Operational Merit and Heroism.

Mr. James Fraser was re-elected to the position of Executive Officer for a third consecutive year. As second in command of the organization, the Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the unit. As a former naval officer, he brings a wealth of experience to the unit that aids in continually improving the organization.

Mr. Fraser was also recently elected to the management team of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary as their Treasurer. He has been a member of POCOMAR since 2016.

Other members elected to the POCOMAR executive board at the AGM include:

• Treasurer – Mr. Mark Carter
• Operations Officer – Mr. Mike Speck
• Training Officer – Mrs. Amber Dashwood
• Public Relations Officer – Ms. Angie Davis
• Secretary – Ms. Ashleigh Vink

The POCOMAR Executive Board is comprised of seven members. This board serves as the governing body for this registered charity. POCOMAR is the only CCGA Search and Rescue unit stationed on Eastern Lake Erie. Their typical coverage area spans 220 square miles; from the Niagara River to the Grand River and out to the U.S. border. This unit provides search and rescue services to the residents and visitors of four municipalities – Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Haldimand County.