CRS volunteers leave their own families to carry out search for missing person on Christmas Day

Search and Rescue volunteers from Community Rescue Service (CRS), working alongside colleagues from Lough Neagh Rescue, were deployed in the Portadown area on Christmas morning to carry out pre-planned searches for a high-risk missing person.

While many families across Northern Ireland gathered at home to mark Christmas Day, volunteers left their own loved ones behind to take part in the operation, highlighting the quiet sacrifices made by emergency responders during the festive period.

In a statement issued by the Community Rescue Service, the organisation confirmed that its Search and Rescue teams were working with NISAR colleagues from Lough Neagh Rescue as part of a coordinated response.

The CRS said:

“This Christmas morning, while families gather at home, our dedicated Search and Rescue volunteers along with our NISAR colleagues from Lough Neagh Rescue are in the Portadown area and have left their own families to undertake preplanned searches for a high-risk missing person.”

‘The true heart of our community’

The message paid tribute to the commitment and selflessness shown by volunteers who regularly place community safety ahead of personal time, even on significant days such as Christmas.

CRS added:

“Your courage and selflessness are the true heart of our community. Your willingness to set aside personal time and comfort to help others is deeply respected and gratefully acknowledged.”

Search and rescue volunteers often operate in challenging conditions and at short notice, relying on extensive training, teamwork and cooperation between voluntary organisations. Christmas deployments, the service noted previously, are a reminder that emergencies do not pause for the holidays.

Thoughts with family and friends

The statement also acknowledged the emotional toll on the family and friends of the missing person, emphasising that they remain at the forefront of volunteers’ thoughts during the search.

CRS said:

“We will continue to keep the missing person’s family and friends in our thoughts during this difficult time.”

The organisation concluded by reaffirming its role within the community, stating:

“The Community Rescue Service - helping keep our communities safe!”