2021 marks the 45th anniversary of Annapolis County Ground Search and Rescue (ACGSAR). This volunteer run operation has attended countless searches for lost persons over the past 40 years. ACGSAR also assists the RCMP and municipal police forces on evidence searches, urban and rural searches. Members also visit schools and administer the “Hug-a-Tree” program, which teaches children what to do if they get lost. ACGSAR members volunteer their time for all activities as well as searches, training, public outreach and fundraising. Each member is responsible for supplying their personal kits. The team fundraises to purchase equipment such as search vehicles and specialized search equipment such as the Stokes® Litter, which allows the safe extraction of an injured subject over very inhospitable terrain. Team members train on equipment and offer mutual aid to search teams across the province.