Those involved in ground search and rescue are hoping that funding can be increased to help sustain search and rescue work in the province and keep essential equipment running.

Local ground search and rescue teams, which consist entirely of volunteers, are called out an average of 150 to 160 times a year.

The President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association, Harry Blackmore, says the association currently gets about $91,000 dollars a year from the province, with some additional federal grants and a lot of community fundraising.

They’re asking for $2 million dollars annually in secured government funding to conduct an audit and ensure all teams have the equipment and resources they need.

Blackmore has been volunteering for 51 years, with three others involved in Search and Rescue of that same vintage.

He punches about 50 to 60 volunteer hours a week and is hoping to pass the reins on to a full-time, paid provincial Ground Search and Rescue CEO with increased government funding.