HAMPSHIRE Search and Rescue has celebrated another important milestone after more than two decades of service.
The team has now responded to exactly 1,100 requests for assistance in their efforts to provide a vital service for vulnerable people.
The service began in 2003 with a very small team and has grown steadily over the years.
READ MORE: Hampshire police staff volunteer and former special sergeant retires
Its main remit is still to search for and rescue vulnerable missing people on behalf of the police, but it has now expanded to include assisting the Local Resilience Forum and the Fire and Rescue Service with its water, drone, medical and foot teams when possible.
While this number is a milestone in Hampshire Search and Rescue's journey, volunteers stress they are not seeking to glorify what they do.
However, they feel it is a good occasion to reflect on those they have tried to help over the years, the team members who have served and retired and the ongoing invaluable support they receive from their families.
They say they wish they did not need to be called because it means someone is in trouble or a family is traumatised, but when there is a need they willingly step-up – and will continue to do so.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here