Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) Station 14 crew member David Croal, who also sits on the board of Station 14’s fundraising arm, the Gibsons Marine Rescue Society, has been recognized with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Administrative Excellence Medal.
Croal, who also serves as a Gibsons councillor, received the honour at the Sept. 21 RCM-SAR annual general meeting and awards ceremony at the Gleneagles Golf Club in West Vancouver.
According to the release announcing the award, “As chief fundraiser for the Gibsons station, [Croal] has led and continues to lead a number of diverse and creative fundraising initiatives that have provided the station with the resources and equipment to continue to provide 24/7 Marine Rescue services.”
Croal helped the society secure three successive provincial gaming grants, as well as a Sunshine Coast Community Forest Legacy Fund grant for a new purpose-built boathouse for Station 14. Croal is currently overseeing the design committee that will come up with a plan that meets the unit’s requirements.
In 2018, Croal also undertook to research, identify, and get headquarter’s approval for a modern digital helmet intercom system, which has greatly enhanced the safety and situational awareness of the search and rescue crew.
“David is steadfast, meticulous, patient, and diligent in his efforts. He is a valued crew and board member, a tireless fundraiser and regularly goes above and beyond expectations in his roles,” the release said.
