Sgt Janick Gilbert, SAR Tech, 424 Sqn, 28 October 2011

[dapaterson]

CBC is reporting that Sgt Janick Gilbert, a Search and Rescue Technician from Trenton, has died following an effort to rescue two boaters in Canada's north.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/10/28/north-soldier-igloolik-death.html

EDIT:

After a quick search, I've been able to find this photo of Sgt Gilbert, training in Jamaica earlier this year:

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/netpub/index-eng.asp?rid=10680-VL2011-0194-32

 

[old medic]

Soldiers dies in Nunavut rescue mission

The Canadian Press

IGLOOLIK, Nunavut — A soldier who was involved in the rescue of two people stranded on a boat in Nunavut has died.

Captain Pierre Bolduc says the soldier from CFB Trenton had jumped into the Hecla Strait from a military aircraft with two search and rescue technicians yesterday.

The C-130 Hercules had flown to Nunavut after the two men in the boat ran into choppy seas 25 kilometres east of Igloolik.

Bolduc says after the rescue, all five people waited for a Cormorant helicopter to arrive from CFB Gander in Newfoundland.

He says the soldier died before the chopper arrived three hours later, but did not specify how.

The two technicians and the men rescued from the boat were taken to Igloolik, where a coroner will examine the body of the unidentified soldier.

 

[mba2011]

Rest in peace Sgt Gilbert.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20111028/trenton-soldier-rescue-nunavut-111028/

 

[old medic]

Soldier dies during rescue mission in Nunavut
QMI Agency
http://www.winnipegsun.com/2011/10/28/soldier-dies-during-rescue-mission-in-nunavut

TRENTON, ONT. - A solider from 8 Wing Trenton died Thursday in a rescue mission near Igloolik (Hall Bay), Nunavut.

Sgt. Janick Gilbert was a search-and-rescue technician (SAR Tech) with 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron.

"On behalf of the defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Sgt. Janick Gilbert, who died yesterday in Nunavut. He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help," said the commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt. Gen. Andre Deschamps in a statement.

A press conference will be held at CFB Trenton Friday at 12:30 p.m.

"It is with deep sorrow that we learned about the death of Janick," said 8 Wing commander Col. Sean Friday. "Janick will always be remembered as a respected family member of 8 Wing who was committed to helping people in need. At this most sorrowful time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends."

The mission was a collaborative effort that included search-and-rescue aircraft and crews from 17 Wing Winnipeg, 8 Wing Trenton, 9 Wing Gander and 14 Wing Greenwood. It was co-ordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton. The mission itself resulted in the rescue of two people who had been stranded on a boat.

The incident is currently under investigation.

 

[The Bread Guy]

 

[Good2Golf]

RIP Sgt Gilbert. 

"That others may live."

 

[Scoobs]

This is the purest definition of bravery, jumping from an airplane and into frigid, choppy waters in order to rescue someone you don't know.  Not for yourself, but so that others may live.

Rest in peace good Sgt, you can stand easy now.

My sincere condolences to his family.  I feel their pain at this moment.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Message from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the Death of Sergeant Janick Gilbert

Sharon and I have just received the tragic news of the death of Sergeant Janick Gilbert, a member of 8 Wing Trenton of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Sergeant Gilbert, a search and rescue technician, was taking part in a rescue operation near Igloolik (Hall Beach), Nunavut. Unfortunately, in the course of this dangerous mission, he lost his life. The operation itself resulted in the rescue of two local citizens.

He has demonstrated tremendous courage in circumstances of great peril. His sacrifice will not be in vain; we will be forever grateful to him.

On behalf of all Canadians, we offer our sincerest condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues of Sergeant Gilbert. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of a Canadian Armed Forces member

"I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sgt. Janick Gilbert, a search and rescue technician from 8 Wing Trenton, who died yesterday while attempting to rescue two Canadians in need near Igloolik (Hall Bay), Nunavut.

“Canada's landscape is one of the most challenging in the world in which to conduct search and rescue operations, and the area in which search and rescue professionals work is the largest in the world – it extends over 15 million square kilometres of land and sea and encompasses the world's longest coastline.

“The Canadian Armed Forces' search and rescue technicians are some of the best trained in the world, and have saved thousands of lives nationwide.

“Sgt. Gilbert was an extremely brave Canadian who made the ultimate sacrifice while proudly serving his country.”

Statement By The Minister Of National Defence On The Death Of Sergeant Janick Gilbert

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the death of Sergeant Janick Gilbert, a Search and Rescue Technician who died yesterday while on a rescue mission near Igloolik (Hall Bay), Nunavut. Sgt. Gilbert died while rescuing two Canadians in need.  Canada will be forever grateful for his commitment to serving this nation and his last unselfish act.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Search and Rescue Technicians are highly trained specialists whose job it is to provide medical attention and rescue to those in distress in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Sgt. Gilbert is a hero who deserves the gratitude and respect of his nation. He will be missed by the Canadian Forces family, and his loss will be profoundly felt in with all those with which he served.”

 

[Journeyman]

Condolences to Janick's widow and the two small ones. 

 

[rmc_wannabe]

My deepest sympathies to his wife and family.

RIP Sgt Gilbert 

 

[Loachman]

My condolences too.

 

[observor 69]

An airman who gave his life that others may live.

RIP Sgt Gilbert 

 

[Wookilar]

"That Others May Live"

RIP Sgt.

Wook

 

[dale622]

True definition of heroism and self sacrifice. Rest in Painless peace.

 

[Arctic Acorn]

They have one of the most dangerous jobs in the CF and they (almost) never leave the country.

Condolences,

 

[SoldierInAYear]

RIP Sgt Gilbert.

 

[WingsofFury]

Thoughts and condolences to all those with 424 SAR Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton, the RCAF and all those in uniform.

May his family feel the love and support of all those who embrace one who gave all....so that others may live.

 

[canada94]

RIP,

Thank you for your service .

A true hero.

 

[krustyrl]

Such sorrowing news to hear. 

RIP Sarge. 

 

[mariomike]

My sincere condolences.