Hello
What do you do in your day job?
What attracted you to working with LONSAR?
I work in the public sector managing a brilliant team of developers, analysts and cartographers working with geospatial technology and data. I’m also a freelance outdoor instructor and Mountain Leader.
As a geographer and outdoors enthusiast, I’ve always enjoyed being out in nature and volunteering with young people and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Along with that came a desire to be in Mountain Rescue – bit of an issue in London! So when I heard about LONSAR forming in 2017, I joined one of the first intakes and have never looked back.
Al - Navigation Lead
Can you tell us about a search that you took part in that stands out in your memory?
As well as being a Search Technician, I also take on the Search Planner role within the Incident Operations Unit (ICU).
One of our biggest searches took place in Wimbledon Common and it was brilliant playing a key role within the Search Management team to co-ordinate multiple organisation teams from elsewhere within Lowland Rescue in addition to specialist Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade search teams. Seeing an incident of that scale come together and working so collaboratively with the emergency services was truly rewarding and showed our professionalism in true light.
What’s the most challenging part of being a search technician?
For me, managing time as a volunteer around the day job and general life can be challenging. We all want to do everything, but sometimes saying no is the best thing to do in order to manage mental health and not burn out.
And the best part?
LONSAR attracts some brilliant, passionate people who are giving up their free time to save lives. I’ve made strong friendships along the way and enjoy the culture that has developed. It’s also great to play a part in building up the team and see it grow into a trusted and crucial emergency service for our capital city.
What3words is a navigational tool that most of us know.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
spontaneous.dedicated.reliable