Members of Leicestershire Search and Rescue (LeicSAR) team were commended by the force last month as part of their ten-year anniversary.
At an event at force headquarters in Enderby, members of the team were presented by Assistant Chief Constable David Sandall and Chief Inspector Ben Gillard with certificates recognising their contribution and assistance in helping the force search for the most vulnerable members of the community, often when they are in crisis.
Having begun in 2011, the team is made up of highly trained volunteers. Among them are dog handlers, technicians, search planners and managers, team leaders and medics. They also have a nationally accredited air-scenting dog team, drone team and a specialist bicycle team, allowing them to search large or rural areas.
Sergeant Chris Haines, from the force’s Tactical Support Team who is the police liaison for the team, said:
“Leicestershire Search and Rescue have now been operational for ten years and during this time, they have provided an exceptional service to us and the communities we serve.
“Over the years, they have provided over 3,000 of volunteering hours per year and have progressed from novices to a highly professional unit that has several specialist teams.
“LeicSAR members turn out at all hours of the day and night, in all kinds of weather conditions to search for those people most at risk, who need our help and we need to find.
“Quite simply, they give up their own time to save lives.
“They are exceptional people who have provided exceptional service so I extremely pleased that we were able to acknowledge all they have contributed over the past ten years.”
Nick Canham from Leicestershire Search & Rescue said:
“Over the last ten years the team have worked hard to support the community of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, and our dedicated volunteers are so grateful to be recognised by Leicestershire Police, who we would like to thank their continued support and trust placed in the team.”