Search and rescue volunteers honoured

LandSAR Search and Rescue volunteer Emma Milburn with her dog, Dart. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
LandSAR Search and Rescue volunteer Emma Milburn with her dog, Dart. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Lynn Stuart, of Wanaka, says he is ``a bit embarrassed'' about his award. Photo by Margot Taylor.
Lynn Stuart, of Wanaka, says he is ``a bit embarrassed'' about his award. Photo by Margot Taylor.

Two Otago volunteers were recognised for their work in search and rescue at the New Zealand Search and Rescue Council Awards at Parliament last night.

Dunedin librarian and LandSAR Search Dogs member Emma Milburn (48) and her dog Dart were awarded an operational certificate of achievement for their work in locating the body of missing Romahapa man Ian Mathieson on July 30 last year.

Police believed Mr Mathieson, who was missing for almost a week, became disoriented and got lost on his way home from a meeting.

Ms Milburn said she was "humbled'' to get the award and it was the "team behind it'' that came up with the results.

Bringing closure to families in one way or another was the reason she did the job.

"That's what it's about ... bringing loved ones home to people.

"That's what we try to do,'' she said.

She and Dart, a border/bearded collie cross, had been an operational team for about three years but Ms Milburn had been part of the LandSAR team for about eight years.

"She's a dog that's got that drive. She's a great asset.''

Ms Milburn said she was on call 24/7, including during her day job at the Dunedin Public Library, and her employer was "really supportive'' of what she did.

"Without that support ... I don't think it would be possible,'' she said.

Wanaka Coastguard member Lynn Stuart said he was "a bit embarrassed'' to receive a support achievement award for "commitment and services'' to search and rescue but was "honoured'' to be recognised.

"I sort of feel that I'm a bit embarrassed getting a personal award for what I feel is a team effort,'' Mr Stuart said.

"The culture of Coastguard really is teamwork.''

Mr Stuart had spent five years taking part in rescues and providing support for events on an "unforgiving'' Lake Wanaka.

"It's always good to have a good result,'' he said.

rhys.chamberlain@odt.co.nz

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