Police volunteer, who helps finding missing people, awarded BEM

Brian Jackson has been recognised for his services to the community of Leicestershire in the New Year Honours list.

Brian was one of the founding members of Leicestershire Search & Rescue (LeicSAR), and has spent almost a decade working alongside Leicestershire Police and other emergency services to help in locating vulnerable and missing people.

Last year he volunteered more than 100 hours of his time to assist in police searches, as well as helping the ambulance service in locating and recovering an injured person in Bradgate Park.

Listen to Brian Jackson here

Brian Jackon said: "I think it is important we help the police looking for people. I would hate for them to be in a position where they simply don't know what's happened to their loved one and being part of the team with the police we can hopefully solve that and give them closure."

He is one of more than 60 highly trained volunteers who are on standby to assist the emergency services when called.

Sergeant Chris Haines, the force’s search co-ordinator, said: “Brian has been a vital part of LeicSAR for nearly 10 years and is always one of the first to arrive when we require their assistance – whatever the time, day or weather conditions.

“Along with the rest of the team, he selflessly gives up his own time to help people in a crisis and it is very much a joint effort when it comes to saving lives and helping to reunite families with a loved one who has gone missing.

“The force is tremendously grateful for all they do and we congratulate Brian on his well-deserved accolade.”

Brian also works as a Community First Responder for the East Midlands Ambulance Service and during the Covid-19 pandemic he volunteered to assist in the vaccine rollout programme, helping to marshal thousands of people through the vaccine process.