Kent Police Hands £10,000 Boost to Search and Rescue Team
Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR) has scored a £10,000 windfall from Kent Police to upgrade its life-saving gear. The cheque was handed over on Wednesday, 23 November 2022.
Volunteers Ready Round-the-Clock
KSAR is a volunteer force on call 24/7, 365 days a year, hunting for missing folks when time is critical. Their dedication is vital for vulnerable people lost in Kent’s towns and countryside.
High-Tech Sonar ROV to Revolutionise Underwater Searches
The cash will buy a cutting-edge sonar Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). This tech turbocharges KSAR’s ability to comb rivers, lakes, and waterways for missing persons. It builds on sonar gear previously gifted by Kent Fire and Rescue.
Chris Beer, KSAR’s Water and Sonar Lead, said: “This major investment will make searching rivers and lakes in Kent much quicker and far more efficient. If, tragically, the missing person has drowned, our new ROV will also bring much faster closure to families and friends desperately awaiting news.”
Boosting Safety for Volunteers and Emergency Services
The new ROV won’t just speed up searches; it will keep KSAR volunteers, police, fire crews, and recovery divers safer by reducing their time spent in hazardous waters.
The £10,000 came from Kent Police’s Property Fund. The fund collects cash from selling unclaimed lost property and seized items, ploughing the proceeds back into local groups that serve the Kent community all year round.
Superintendent Warren Franklin of Kent Police added: “KSAR are a valued partner delivering outstanding work supporting Kent Police, emergency services, and the public. I’m delighted to hand over this cheque on behalf of the Property Fund so they can continue their life-saving work.”
