We’ve always known that the heart of RCMSAR is our volunteers, and one of our own just received well-deserved recognition for his unwavering dedication. Duncan Peacock, a long-time volunteer with RCMSAR’s Kitimat station, was recently awarded the prestigious Tim Jones Award.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Duncan recognized with the Tim Jones Award,” said Bill Riggs, RCMSAR CEO. “This isn’t just a recognition of Duncan’s hard work, but of the commitment of all our volunteers who go above and beyond to keep people safe on the water.”
The Tim Jones Award is named in honour of the former North Shore Rescue team leader, who tragically passed away in 2014. It’s presented each year by the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) and North Shore Rescue to honour individuals who have made a lasting impact on outdoor safety and emergency response in British Columbia.
For more than 30 years, Duncan has been a cornerstone of RCMSAR Unit 63 in Kitimat, serving in just about every capacity imaginable. As a coxswain, he’s led countless rescue missions, responding to more than 120 calls for help. His role doesn’t stop there—Duncan’s also kept the station running smoothly behind the scenes, whether as a mechanic, grant writer, or mentor to new volunteers. He’s been the driving force behind community initiatives, including organizing the station’s annual Canada Day parade float.
But what truly sets Duncan apart is his passion for marine safety and the impact he’s had on the Kitimat community and beyond. His leadership, often quiet and behind the scenes, has been instrumental in ensuring the station operates at the highest level, responding efficiently to emergencies in the Douglas Channel.
Receiving the Tim Jones Award at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival’s Steep and Deep Show on March 3rd was a proud moment for Duncan and for all of us who are lucky enough to work alongside him. But it’s also a reminder of the incredible dedication that all our volunteers bring to their work, day in and day out. Volunteers like Duncan are why people on the water can feel confident knowing that they’re in good hands with RCMSAR.
We’re proud of Duncan, proud of all of our volunteers, and incredibly grateful for the time and expertise they put in to make sure that RCMSAR is always ready to respond.