New volunteer search and rescue service launched

HERE TO HELP: HUMBSAR is recruiting volunteers

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

A new search and rescue initiative has been launched to serve the Humber region, bringing together emergency services expertise and community volunteers to help locate vulnerable missing people.

HFR Solutions CIC, in partnership with Humberside Police, has launched HUMBSAR (Humberside Search and Rescue) - a dedicated voluntary lowland search and rescue capability that will support police-led searches and emergency response operations across Hull, East Yorkshire, North and North East Lincolnshire.

HUMBSAR has been established under a formal memorandum of understanding with Humberside Police, clearly defining the team’s role, tasking arrangements and operational integration. The agreement distinguishes HUMBSAR from other volunteer search teams by ensuring it operates as a dedicated regional capability aligned directly to the needs of Humberside Police and the communities it serves.

Based within Humberside Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Hessle, HUMBSAR has been created to strengthen regional resilience and provide additional support during time-critical incidents involving missing vulnerable people. The team will provide a 24/7, 365-days-a-year response capability, enabling Humberside Police to access trained volunteer search support whenever it is required.

The team will consist of specially trained volunteer search technicians who will assist the force in searches across urban areas, countryside, woodland and water margins. Volunteers will receive nationally recognised training aligned to National Policing Search Standards and the National Police Concept of Operations.

Nick Granger, CEO of HFR Solutions CIC, said: “Establishing HUMBSAR is a significant step in enhancing the region’s resilience. By bringing together skilled volunteers and the emergency services, we are strengthening our collective ability to support vulnerable people when it matters most.

“Our formal memorandum of understanding with Humberside Police ensures HUMBSAR is fully aligned with policing requirements and provides a clear, professional and accountable framework for deployment. Our ambition is to deliver a reliable 24/7, 365-days-a-year capability that supports the police and protects our communities whenever the need arises.

“This initiative is about partnership, professionalism and community. We are incredibly proud to be working alongside Humberside Police to create something that will make a genuine difference across our region.”

HUMBSAR is now actively recruiting volunteers from across the Humber region. No previous search and rescue experience is required, with full training and ongoing support provided.