The Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) will be conducting its annual Search and Rescue (SAR) training exercise on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in the Nelson Lake Road area. Residents and visitors should expect a significant presence of police personnel and trained volunteers throughout the day.

Participants from GSPS Search and Rescue, North Shore Search and Rescue, and Sudbury’s Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (SUDSAR) will simulate a coordinated response to a missing person in a remote environment. Ground teams will conduct searches on foot and by off-road vehicles, with aerial support also assisting in the operation.

Safety reminder for outdoor enthusiasts:

GSPS encourages everyone planning activities in remote areas to take the following precautions:

  • Tell someone where you’re going, your expected route, and your estimated return time.
  • Check your equipment to ensure it's functional—and know how to use it properly.
  • Bring appropriate gear, including First Aid and repair kits for your activity.
  • Carry extra batteries for flashlights and GPS devices. Keep your cell phone fully charged and powered on.
  • If you become lost or disoriented in a safe location, stay where you are—this greatly increases your chances of being found quickly.

Technology that saves lives – about SUDSAR & ARTEMIS:

Did you know that Sudbury’s SUDSAR team can locate lost or missing persons using cutting-edge geolocation technology?

When authorized by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, SUDSAR can deploy an aircraft equipped with a specialized device called ARTEMIS. This system can identify, locate, and communicate with a missing person's mobile phone—even in areas without cell coverage.

ARTEMIS can:

  • Lock onto an active mobile phone (must be powered on, not in airplane mode, and have a valid SIM card),
  • Exchange messages with the person in distress to determine their needs and confirm help is on the way,
  • Relay precise coordinates to ground search teams to guide them directly to the individual.

This advanced technology significantly enhances SAR capabilities in Northern Ontario’s vast and rugged terrain.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of all community members, both through real-life search efforts and continuous training exercises. We thank the public for their cooperation and understanding during this important operation, and we extend our gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers and partner agencies who make this work possible. Together, we’re building a safer, more prepared community—ready to respond when it matters most.

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