A vital mission requires the right equipment
The Veterans Search Team (VST) is the leading expert in locating missing persons in the Netherlands. The foundation consists of 2,753 volunteers, 85% of whom are (former) military personnel. The remaining volunteers come from uniformed professions such as the police, fire brigade, ambulance service, and even forest rangers. With their combined experience, they are ready to initiate a search within two hours of a report. Last year alone, VST conducted 109 search operations, always at the request of the police.
“We deploy 50 to 100 volunteers for each search, who search for an average of 4 to 8 hours,” says Dennis. “We use various vehicles and equipment, so we need reliable storage solutions. Our new equipment trailer has to accommodate everything from drones to stretchers.”
Custom-made storage boxes from Tilbox
For the new flatbed trailer measuring 311x200 cm, VST asked Tilbox to help design the trailer's layout. They opted for custom-made boxes from the Tilbox range, featuring top-mounted hinges, ventilation plugs, gas springs, rubber seals, and sturdy T-drop locks. These boxes were installed on both sides of the trailer, leaving space in the middle for various essential equipment such as electric mountain bikes and other critical gear.
Dennis expressed particular enthusiasm for the Tilsmart product configurator, which allowed him to design the boxes easily. “The configurator is brilliant,” he says. “It makes it simple to get exactly what we need, without any hassle.” Using Tilsmart, VST could perfectly tailor the boxes to their specific requirements and the robust standards the equipment must meet.
Corporate involvement is invaluable
The Veterans Search Team doesn't work alone. Their valuable work largely depends on the support of partners such as the Ministry of Defence, which provides housing, among other things. VST is also looking for business partners to support its mission. “We want companies to be involved in our mission,” says Dennis. “Not by asking for free stuff, but by setting up collaborations that are mutually beneficial. We offer companies the opportunity to purchase equipment at cost price and gain visibility among relevant audiences such as defence and police.” This joint effort from various partners ensures that VST can continue its work and bring missing persons home safely.
Together for a safer Netherlands
The support of companies like Tilbox helps the Veterans Search Team carry on with their crucial work, especially as the number of operations has already increased in the first half of this year. In addition, the foundation is expanding: this year, VST will open a second location in the south of the country, followed by a branch in the north.
Tilbox is proud to contribute to this dedicated group of volunteers. Together, we ensure that the Netherlands becomes safer, and that missing persons can be brought home more quickly and safely.
Would you like to experience the benefits of our Tilsmart product configurator, just like the Veterans Search Team? Design your toolbox online today using our product configurator!