In 1975, Al Bird, then a local schoolteacher in Squamish, recognized the need for a Search and Rescue (SAR) team. At that time, both the fire department and the emergency program were volunteer only. Due to the nature of the Squamish terrain, some of the calls the fire department were taking were outside of their area of expertise.

Al Bird contacted Jim Lang and Paul Kindree to look at establishing a SAR branch of the Emergency Services Program. A geographical area was mapped out and an initial 8-member SAR team was established. The goal was to cross-train skilled climbers and search personnel as a high angle rescue group. The group expanded in 1977, adding additional climbing experts including Perry Beckham, John Howe, and Scott Flavelle.

In 1996, Paul Kindree contributed to the redesign of the 20-hour basic SAR course into its current 80-hour format. In 1998-99, Paul initiated the initial design concept of Avalanche Awareness courses. In 2000, Paul, along with John Howe, Perry Beckham and other prominent individuals in the BC SAR community assisted in the development of the BC Mountain Rescue Program.

As the need for emergency services grew in Squamish, the Emergency Social Services and Communication Services divisions of SEP were added to assist the community of Squamish deal with emergencies and disasters. Over the years, the SEP program has grown to over 70 volunteer members.