A NEW rescue station focused on land searches for missing people has opened.
The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) Cotswold rescue centre, based at Cirencester Fire Station, formally opened on Saturday, May 27.
Most of the callouts come from families worried about the whereabouts of their loved ones with dementia.
SARA is a volunteer lifeboat and inland search and rescue charity, supporting HM Coastguard, Police, Fire & Rescue and Ambulance Services 24/7, 365 days a year.
This charity has been in operation since 1973 and receives over 100 callouts annually.
The team of volunteers are excited about this new base as they hope its location will significantly improve their ability to search for and find missing people in the Cotswolds and eastern parts of Gloucestershire.
Dr John Dutton is the general manager and land lead at the new site and revealed that this move has been made possible by the valiant fundraising efforts of the team and generous donations and grants from the community.
All volunteers have undergone intense training teaching them how to search for missing people efficiently as well as how to use a range of equipment including medical kit, GPS systems and stretches.
Thermal imaging cameras and a 4X4 vehicle are next on their wish list.
Dr Dutton described the volunteers as a 'mixed bag' of adults including gardeners, office workers, teachers, builders and para-medics who are all united with a common purpose of helping the community to find their loved ones.
He said: "There was a need for a rescue centre in this area of the Cotswolds as there was a delayed response when we sent teams from the east Gloucester centre.
"It was also a long way to travel to do all the training.
"It was great when Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service offered us accommodation in Cirencester.
"The location and increase in volunteers means our response team will be a lot quicker.
"Many people think we just walk around but we teach how to really look and search properly.
"It's all about the attitude you have, you have to be ready to be called to help at any moment.
"We are also here for the families who are left powerless in these situations when their loved ones go missing.
"We are so grateful to everyone who has helped make this new centre a reality."
Lady Bathurst, a patron of the charity, performed the opening formal ceremony on Saturday.
Also present was the chief constable of Gloucestershire, Rod Hansen, senior fire officers and local councillors.
Lady Bathurst said: "It is a great privilege to have been asked to open the new SARA rescue station in Cirencester and on behalf of the charity I’d like to thank the officers at our local fire and rescue service for their support and help in making this possible.
"The presence of SARA in this area will be crucial to the swift response of the teams in emergencies where every second counts."
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