20th anniversary Milestone for search & rescue team

Ateam of volunteers responsible for locating and resucing vulnerable missing people is celebrating a milestone.

Sussex Search & Rescue – the primary search resource for Sussex Police – is marking its 20th year of operation this year.

Since 2002, SusSAR has helped find numerous missing people across the county and callouts are to search for the elderly, people living with dementia, despondents, children, and anyone else deemed to be a high risk. The team’s task is to locate them having been given a briefing by the police, and to return them to a place of safety.

Chief Constable of Sussex Police and patron of Sussex Search & Rescue Jo Shiner said: “Sussex Search & Rescue is a vital resource made entirely of volunteers, who are serving the communities of Sussex through their goodwill and dedication. The team works tirelessly, often in extreme and challenging conditions to support Sussex Police, in locating some of the most vulnerable members of the public in times of crisis. “The service provided to our communities is simply phenomenal – they are ready to be called on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and often sacrifice their personal time with family and loved ones, to support policing efforts.

“I am so incredibly proud to be the patron for, and work alongside Sussex Search &

Rescue, who are integral to the policing family and exemplify public service in action. I congratulate all involved in the last 20 years of service, and look forward to our future work together, in keeping those within Sussex safe.”

A spokesman for Sussex Search & Rescue added: “Its is amazing how far the team has come over 20 years, with the time and dedication by so many volunteers, truly amazing.”