WARWICKSHIRE Search and Rescue (WSR) has received royal recognition.
The group of volunteers has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.
WSR was founded by a small core team in 2013, to assist the emergency services in searching for vulnerable missing people throughout Warwickshire, Coventry, Solihull, and parts of Birmingham.
The group, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, has grown from ten founders to over 70 members today.
To date the charity has been involved in over 375 searches for high risk, vulnerable missing people. They are on call at a moment’s notice 24/7, 365 days a year.
WSR chair Ian Malins said: “I’m delighted that our team of highly trained volunteers has been recognised by being awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“Due to the confidential nature of our work, supporting vulnerable people in their time of personal crisis, many people are unaware of what we do.
“Members of the team put in a lot of hard work, time and commitment in supporting the police and fire services with missing person searches. Their dedication to being available 24/7, searching in all weathers when needed, as well as the many hours spent training and fundraising for the team is inspirational.
“I’m proud to be a member of the team that is truly professional in all but pay.”
Volunteers from WRS will receive the award and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox.
And two members of the team will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in next summer, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
WRS is one of 262 UK charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year.
It recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the award.
