Lagan Search and Rescue honoured during 10th anniversary year
THE Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service has been awarded to Lagan Search and Rescue (LSAR) which is now in its 10th year of serving the city of Belfast.
LSAR responds to a wide range of incidents including the rescue of persons in the water, persons reported missing, medical and casualty evacuations from commercial vessels, the recovery of stricken pleasure craft and incidents of flooding. The emergency response is operated entirely by volunteers and is provided free of cost 24/7, 365 days a year from its base at the Belfast Harbour Marina.
Ian Murdock, chairman of the trustees of the organisation, said: “We are truly honoured to receive such an award in recognition of the hard work and dedication of all our volunteers, both past and present. Lagan Search and Rescue is currently made up 35 serving volunteers, on call willing to respond at a moment’s notice any time of day or night and to have this commitment recognised makes us incredibly proud.”
He added: “For anyone to give up their free time to help others in need is truly admirable and to be recognised in such a way is very humbling. It is also a wonderful birthday surprise as we celebrate our 10th year.”
The award aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their communities.
LSAR has recently taken delivery of a new Class 2 Lifeboat. Built by Ribcraft, this is perfectly suited to the more challenging areas of water in and around rural communities where the larger Atlantic 21 Lifeboat would not be suitable.
Capable of 32 knots and equipped with the latest in search and rescue technology, it will be a valuable asset and no doubt assist in saving many lives in the years ahead.
The purchase of the new lifeboat was made possible with the release of funding by The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Find out more at: www.laganrescue.org