A NIGHT THAT SHAPED MY SEARCH AND RESCUE %%JOURNEY%%
Rebecca, a Search Technician and Dog Handler, reflects on the callout that changed how she understood Search and Rescue - a demanding night in dense woodland, her first time navigating for a team and an encounter with a worried family that brought home the true purpose of the work.
"WHEN YOU’RE ASKED TO LEAD, EVERYTHING FEELS DIFFERENT"
My most memorable search took place in 2022, in a heavily wooded part of South London. It was the first time I’d been asked to take responsibility for navigation on a live deployment.
I’d recently completed my Bronze and Silver National Navigation Awards through LONSAR, and although I was excited to put all that training into practice, I felt the weight of the role instantly.
I was lucky to be paired with Emma, one of our strongest team leaders. Her clarity, calmness, and steady leadership helped anchor the team through hours of tough terrain. With her guidance, my confidence grew. Every bearing, every reposition, every decision reinforced that I was capable - and that the team trusted me to deliver.
That night taught me that stepping up isn’t about being fearless. It’s about knowing you’re surrounded by people who want you to succeed.
"SEEING THEIR FACES BROUGHT THE HUMAN SIDE INTO FOCUS"
What stays with me most happened after several hours of searching. When we returned to the RV, it was instantly clear that this wasn’t just a standard staging point. Alongside the LonSAR and Met Police vehicles were several members of the missing person’s family.
It’s not common for families to be physically present on active searches. Seeing their worry, their exhaustion, and their hope so visibly expressed was incredibly moving, and grounding.
It reminded me that every search, no matter how technical, is fundamentally about people. Real families. Real fear. Real lives in the balance.
That moment changed how I understood our work. It sharpened my sense of responsibility and strengthened my commitment to continuous learning, so I can be the best version of myself for those who need us.
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"It reminded me that every search is fundamentally about people. Real families. Real fear. Real lives in the balance."
WITHOUT %%YOU%%, WE ARE LOST
Help keep vital search operations like this going. Your donation ensures our volunteers have the training, equipment, and support needed to respond 24/7 to searches for vulnerable missing people. Become a regular supporter and make a lasting difference today.
PROVIDES OUR DOG HANDLERS WITH THE SPECIALIST KIT AND EQUPMENT THEY NEED TO OPERATE
PROVIDES THE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS NEEDED TO KEEP OUR DOG TEAMS CONNECTED
SPONSORS A DOG WITHIN THE TEAM, KEEPING THEM TRAINED TO NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR SEARCH
Join us in making a
Difference
Your support can help us find missing persons and bring hope to families in need.
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