Guests and members of the volunteer emergency responder organization marked the milestone during the group's annual barbecue and picnic in mid-August. In fact, before they ate, search director Sherry Veinot and Municipal Councillor Sandra Statton commemorated the moment with a mortgage burning.

 "Everybody was pleased to be there and finally put an end to it," Councillor Statton said of the celebratory mood acknowledging the end of the team's payments connected to 371 Harold Whynot Road.

 The property has a 2010 market value assessment of $179,700. The organization receives a property tax exemption from the Municipality of Lunenburg.

 Ms Veinot said it's a big milestone that frees the team to upgrade or purchase more equipment and supplies.

 "Our next project is going to be a new command vehicle to replace our 1980 command bus," she said.

 The 40-member team has a second bus for logistical purposes and a sport utility vehicle that hauls a trailer carrying an off-highway vehicle.

 Local search and rescuers are able to tap into GPS technology and laptops with tracking software, and use map and compass skills to conduct evidence searches for police or look for missing people.

 Ms Veinot said a replacement bus with more space is needed.

 Last month the team reflected on their success and efforts to dwindle down the 25-year mortgage they started making payments on back in 1997.

 Now, $86,600 later, that financial burden is lifted.

 In addition to annual provincial and municipal grants, the team depends mostly on fundraising to run its operations. Ms Veinot estimates it costs about $20,000 a year to run the team.

 The team's fundraising includes weekly bingos and annual yard sales and vehicle shows.

 Ms Veinot suggested it was amazing to pay the mortgage off quickly without the benefit of a tax rate like other first response agencies have.

 Prior to 1997, the team held its meetings in Dayspring and stored vehicles and equipment elsewhere, she said.