Latest Incident: 10/12/24 The Team's Canoe section were deployed to search the river Tees as part of the continued search for the missing female from Darlington. Three paddlers... More details
16th December 2011 AWARD FOR LOCAL MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM LEADER
David Bartles-Smith former Team Leader of Teesdale & Weardale Search & Mountain Rescue Team has been awarded a Chief Constables Certificate of Commendation by Durham Constabulary. The award was presented by Chief Constable John Stoddart “For outstanding contribution as a volunteer member and Team Leader of the Teesdale & Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team and professionalism during numerous search and rescue operations within the Durham Constabulary area”.
Current Team Leader Chris Roberts said "David has been a member of Teesdale & Weardale Search & Mountain Rescue Team for 16 years and has been Team Leader for the last 7 until he handed over the position to myself in November last year. Possibly his biggest contribution has been to search management within County Durham. David has spent countless hours not only coordinating searches but also planning and reviewing incidents with Durham Police. Like all Team members this is done on an entirely voluntary basis. There are many people from all walks of life and from all areas of the County who are thankful for the skills and dedication shown by David, and the rest of the team, in searching for missing persons, not only in the upland areas but also the semi urban areas surrounding our towns and villages".
Chief Superintendent John Bell, Head of Durham Constabulary Response Command said "David remains a totally committed professional whose contribution and expertise when acting as Team leader was very much appreciated and in my opinion the commendation is well deserved. In providing this level of support and over such a period, we should not overlook the personal sacrifices made by David over several years nor indeed the similar sacrifices made by other Search Team members for the benefit of others”
David who lives in Lanchester Co. Durham, experience will not be lost to the Team as he remains an active Team member.
Notes For Editor Teesdale
& Weardale Search & Mountain Rescue Team are affiliated to the "Mountain
Rescue - England and Wales". We provide a Search and Rescue service throughout
County Durham and beyond primarily for the Police but also for the other emergency
services. All Team members are volunteers and we rely on monies raised by ourselves
as a registered charity to run the Team. Further details regarding our latest
callouts and Team information can be found on our website www.twsmrt.org.uk
