Isle of Wight Search and Rescue (WightSAR) is celebrating 15 years of serving the Island community, having grown from just 6 volunteers into a team of more than 40 dedicated members who help search for vulnerable missing people.
The entirely volunteer-run organisation was established on 3rd November 2011 by Dean Terrett BEM, having originally started as a small Hampshire Search and Rescue initial response team operating on the Isle of Wight.
The creation of WightSAR provided the Island with its own dedicated search and rescue capability, supporting Police and other emergency service partners in locating vulnerable missing people.
Since then, volunteers have been available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responding to hundreds of operational deployments and contributing thousands of hours of their own time to help others.
What began with just 6 volunteers has grown into a team of over 40, with the organisation also receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its work.
Marking the anniversary today (Tuesday), WightSAR has paid tribute to everyone who has helped make the organisation what it is today.
In a statement, the team has said:
“From six volunteers to a team of over 40, a King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and countless lives touched along the way, this achievement belongs to everyone who has supported us.
“To every volunteer past and present, every family member, donor, supporter, fundraiser and partner agencies – thank you.”
Despite its growth and achievements, WightSAR remains entirely volunteer-run and relies on donations and fundraising to continue its work.
The organisation continues to support Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and partner agencies, with its volunteers ready to respond whenever they are needed.
