North Otago Search and Rescue (Nosar) began a mammoth fundraising push about 18 months ago to replace its previous ''command module'', which was housed in an old caravan.
Nosar chairman Tony Wood said after donations and grants from 44 local organisations and individuals, a new purpose-built command module was not only ready for action but had already been deployed three times in two months.
The truck was used in two search and rescue operations and also in a police homicide investigation.
Mr Wood said the command unit, which boasted GPS tracking radios and television screens, was custom-designed to meet the needs of the search and rescue team.
The truck was self-contained and had a host of modern communication equipment and its own power generator, which would allow it to be used in remote areas.
''It just makes it so much easier and quicker to deploy. It is useful and it will go out there and it is going to save lives in the future.''
