Over the years, the Crowsnest Pass Rescue department has seen its role and the nature of its work continually grow and expand in the community. As longtime chief Daryl Ferguson steps down from his position and longtime deputy chief Mike Taje steps up, Rescue continues to grow, expanding into ever new areas of training.
Ferguson, who officially stepped down as chief as of January 1, had been serving in the top Rescue position since 1994.
“It was time to step down,” he says. “We’re getting into more and more stuff, and it’s time to start the younger guys.”
Ferguson will stay with the Rescue department as a regular member.
Rescue’s new chief, Mike Taje, has been with the department since 1989 and has served as deputy chief alongside Ferguson since 1994.

Taking over the chief position, says Taje, will mean more responsibilities, administration work, and meetings.
“It’s going to be an eye opener in places,” he says. “I’ll be picking Daryl’s brain.”
Darryl Johnson is the new deputy chief for Rescue, and Cory Wojtowicz has taken over the captain position. A new position, lieutenant, has been occupied by Art Hoogstraten.
Rescue currently has 13 full time members, including four who have joined in the last year and a half.
Ferguson notes that Rescue’s role has expanded significantly from when the department first started.
... This story is continued in the February 24 issue of the Pass Herald.