Isle of Wight Search and Rescue (WightSAR) has been officially recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, presented during a ceremony at The Broadway Centre in Sandown last Friday (29th August).
The award – the highest honour a UK voluntary group can receive and equivalent to an MBE – was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon. It recognises WightSAR’s significant contribution to public safety and community wellbeing across the Isle of Wight.
WightSAR was formed in 2010 and is made up of specially trained volunteers who assist Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary in the search for high-risk missing people.
The presentation ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the High Sheriff Jacque Gazzard, Deputy Lieutenant Dr Nick England, Vice Chair of the Isle of Wight Council Councillor Vanessa Churchman, and Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot.
Mrs Sheldon praised the WightSAR volunteers for their professionalism, expertise and commitment to supporting those in distress across the Isle of Wight.
Dean Terrett BEM, Founder and Chair of Isle of Wight Search and Rescue, has said:
“It was a great honour to accept the King’s Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of everyone at WightSAR. This prestigious recognition is a tribute to the dedication, professionalism, and selflessness of our highly skilled volunteers. Their expert and tireless efforts ensure the safety and well-being of our community, often under challenging and demanding circumstances. This award truly reflects the very best of voluntary service.”
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A special King’s Award cake was ceremonially cut by the Lord-Lieutenant, and every volunteer received a commemorative badge acknowledging their individual contributions.
Attendees were also given the chance to view WightSAR’s incident control vehicle, specialist equipment, and meet the team’s 2 trainee search and rescue dogs and their handlers.
Mrs Sheldon concluded the event, saying:
“It is a great honour to be able to present this coveted award to such a wonderful and deserving group of volunteers. The work that WightSAR carry out is vital to keeping the island and its community safe and it is wonderful that they have been recognised in this way.”
