By Isle of Wight Observer
On Friday, Isle of Wight Search & Rescue (WightSAR) was presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, by HM Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, at a ceremony held at The Broadway Centre, in Sandown.
The event was attended by a large audience, including the High Sheriff, Jacque Gazzard, Deputy Lieutenant, Nick England, Vice-Chairman of the IW Council, Cllr Vanessa Churchman, and Sandown Mayor, Alex Lightfoot, who joined in celebrating the work of WightSAR’s volunteers.
The Lord-Lieutenant commended the volunteers for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to supporting those in distress across the Island.
Dean Terrett, founder and chairman of WightSAR, 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.”
The celebration included the ceremonial cutting of a specially made King’s Award cake by the Lord-Lieutenant. Each volunteer was presented with a commemorative King’s Award badge in recognition of their invaluable individual contributions.
Guests were also given the opportunity to see demonstrations of WightSAR’s incident control vehicle and specialist equipment. They met the team’s two trainee search and rescue dogs and their handlers, showcasing the wide range of expertise the organisation applies to search and rescue efforts.
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.”