Bush Rescue Team and new Unit to be unveiled

THE new Command Support Unit vehicle for the Community Rescue Service team will be officially unveiled at a celebration day in Stranocum on Saturday, August 21, the Times can exclusively reveal.

And the event will also confirm the formation of the Bush Rescue Team whose members have undergone rigorous training and been involved in a number of searches throughout Northern Ireland in the past 12 months.

The developments in Stranocum have taken place after the death of James Elliott when there was widespread support and admiration for the way in which volunteers from the various Rescue teams performed their duties at a particularly sad time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Soon after, villagers got together and not only organised funraising events, but also pledged to set up a localised Rescue Team.

The positive approach sparked a more concerted fund-raising programme most of which was focused on the purchase of a vehicle - a valuable tool for Rescue teams as Mr. Sean McCarry, Regional Commander of the Communnity Rescue Service explained:

“This unit will enable us and the police to plan, manage and control all search operations anywhere in Northern Ireland from an on-scene location.

“Esentially, it will be an office with communications with facilities for food provision and looking after and briefing search teams.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This is a key element and an invaluable asset for the search parties, particularly as it is almost impossible at times to find a location from which to work.”

The Unit will be based at Coleraine and it is understood that those involved in the fund-raising are closing in on the 30,000 purchase price thanks to the generosity of the public.

The latest donation has come from Finvoy Young Farmers who presented Mr. McCarry with a cheque for 500 following a Treasure Hunt recently.

The money was raised by the energetic young farmers through car washes and one-act plays along with Garvagh YFC.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David Dunlop, treasurer, Sam Dunlop, Assistant Club leader and Danielle Gamble, secretary, took pleasure in presenting Mr. McCarry with the proceeds and the Area Commander was full of praise for Finvoy members.

The fun day at Stranocum is still being planned and details will be published nearer the time.

Anyone who would like to support the Rescue Team can contribute online at www.communityrescue.org