North East Wales Search and Rescue volunteers praised for critical role in locating high-risk missing person

Volunteers from North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) have been commended for their critical contribution to a search operation that located a high-risk missing person in the Llyn Brenig area in November.

Temporary Superintendent Owain Llewellyn from North Wales Police visited NEWSAR’s base to present a commendation in recognition of the team’s vital services to the community.

In his address, T/Superintendent Llewellyn extended his gratitude to the volunteers, saying, “During this particular search, NEWSAR’s involvement was crucial to locating a high-risk missing person.”

“North Wales Police greatly values the partnership working with volunteers at NEWSAR and the other Mountain Rescue Teams across the region, who are always willing to assist us no matter the weather conditions or time of day or night.”

The commendation is a testament to the dedication and selfless work of the volunteers who form NEWSAR.

NEWSAR teams consist entirely of volunteers, who willingly offer their time and expertise to support the emergency services in search and rescue operations.

Their primary operating area is in North East Wales mainly covering the counties of Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and parts of Conwy and Powys. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

NEWSAR also regularly assists Mountain Rescue teams elsewhere in North Wales as well as Lowland Search and Rescue teams in Cheshire and Shropshire. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Team Leader Chris Griffiths expressed the team’s appreciation for the commendation, stating, “Our volunteers are happy to go out in all weathers at all times of the day and night to assist others, without any thanks, but we really appreciate T/Superintendent Owain Llewellyn visiting our base to present this commendation. It is great to be recognised for the work we all do.”

The commendation of NEWSAR’s work is also an opportunity to remind the public of the invaluable role played by such volunteer organisations in the community.

Their work is often carried out under challenging conditions, and their dedication to serving the community is invaluable in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in need.

As NEWSAR is a Registered Charity the vast majority of this money is raised through grants, individual donations, legacies, street collections and collection tins. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

To donate click here or contact fundraisingofficer@newsar.org.uk about potential larger donations including company or organisation sponsorship options. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​