Name: Matt Massey

Call Sign? Whiskey 33

Crew Role: K9 Handler / Fundraising Team

Joined SARA: January 2007

Occupation: Gardner

Why did you join SARA?
I love being outdoors, as a gardener I find that this allows me to experience the world in a different context, and being part of such a close knit team with the opportunity to help people from all walks of life.

What unique skills do you bring to the team?
My specialist skill in the team is a search dog handler. I really love this role as an essential cornerstone of the land search teams. I love searching and training with my best friend who has saved lives on operational call outs.

Training a search dog has been the hardest task I have undertaken in SARA, however it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my achievements.

What’s your most memorable experience?
Only recently in November 2018 myself and late search doy 'Dyno' found as were able to assist a missing person in Netherton. The ability of Dyno to search so quickly and efficiently saved a life on that day, there a few things more rewarding in life than knowing we made a difference to that person.

 
What's the best thing about being part of SARA?
I work with my best pal, and we help make a difference to people in need. My first find with Dyno was like "Winning the national lottery" but there are challenges of balancing home, work and SARA life....but when you get it right, its the best feeling in the world.