SAR volunteer finds the perfect mix | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Craig Russell's love of the outdoors and willingness to help people has led to him becoming a senior member of Rotorua's Search and Rescue squad.

Mr Russell has been a Search and Rescue volunteer for the past five years and says it was something he wanted to do for years before he actually joined.

"Ever since I was a kid tramping with my dad in the New Zealand bush I have wanted to join SAR," he said.

"Seeing the people on TV helping others in trouble, in a place I love to be, just made me want to be able to do the same."

Mr Russell said Search and Rescue was an ideal mix of being able to help people and experiencing the outdoors.

"I put the idea of joining on hold until I finally moved to Rotorua for work where I knew I wouldn't be moving around again," he said.

"Soon after arriving I was told there was a Search and Rescue exercise coming up and I decided I should go. After meeting the criteria and getting some training I became a team member."

Since he joined he has enjoyed helping people and working with a "great group of friends". He has also moved up within the group and has gained team leader status.

"When not on a search I am involved with training and teaching new members who wish to join our great group."

Mr Russell said it was rewarding being able to help find someone's missing partner, friend or loved one.

"After having the training to become better at searching you realise how much more is involved," he said.

"You always see the people on the ground doing the actual search but there are also a number of people needed in the background. To keep it all going smoothly there can be anywhere from a few people to a small force of helpers."

He enjoys being part of the team and said members had a great sense of achievement when they got a job done. "I enjoy the challenge that the role brings and the training that it involves. I also love going places, some of which I have never been," he said.

"The people I work with are a great bunch and we all contribute something different to the group."

He encouraged anyone considering becoming involved with Search and Rescue to give it a go.

"If you enjoy the outdoors and want to help out, come along and have a look at what we do and what's involved," he said.

"With a bigger group we are able to use people at different times of the day or night. Although there are some great moments in either "Rushing out before you know all the information could see you searching in the wrong location," he said.

"It can be a lot of fun and sometimes a lot of hard work, but the reward is something that money can't buy."