Markham, ON — Excellence in technical rescue isn’t just about the tools in our hands; it’s about the vehicles we practice on. We are proud to share that our long-standing partnership with Standard Auto Wreckers and owner David Gold was recently featured in Collision Repair Magazine.
Building a Training Ground Like No Other
The article, titled "Gold Standard," highlights how this partnership has transformed our team from a group learning through YouTube videos into a world-ranked rescue unit. Every week, our team gathers at Standard’s Scarborough yard to simulate high-pressure, real-world rescue scenarios.
Having a steady supply of scrap vehicles allows us to train with a level of realism that few teams in Canada can match. As Captain Brad Sterling told Collision Repair Magazine: "We have easily cut up over $100,000 worth of vehicles free of charge over the years. Because of Dave and his crew, we can train like no other team in Canada".
Seconds Saved on the Scene
The partnership was recently celebrated at a Markham City Council meeting, where Mayor Frank Scarpitti noted that the work done in Standard’s yard translates directly to lives saved. The training allows us to shave vital seconds off our extrication times when it matters most—at the scene of a real accident.
For David Gold, the motivation is simple: giving back. "To be part of the community where many of us live, and to give back in whatever way we can… that's all we need," Gold told the magazine.
Beyond the Yard
The article also recognized the broader achievements of the team, including our 2025 appearance as the only Canadian team at the World Rescue Challenge in Croatia, and the individual success of members like Amanie McLaren, the first Canadian to complete the elite smoke diver training program.
We are honored to have our story told in such a prominent industry publication and deeply grateful to the entire team at Standard Auto Wreckers for fueling our pursuit of rescue excellence.