DAPHNE — Daphne Search and Rescue Squad Capt. Ronny Champion couldn’t be happier with local drivers — and even tourists on their way to the beach.

That’s because motorists “gave very, very generously” during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, when his group partnered with the Belforest Volunteer Fire Department.

“We’re just very happy to be here, thanks to the fire department. They’ve been doing this for several years so we appreciate also being part of it,” he said. “This way we both win.”

On Saturday, May 26, and Monday, May 28, a total of about $7,000 was collected by organizational volunteers and will be split between the two groups, he said.

Volunteers collected donations from drivers in traffic at the intersection of Baldwin County 64 and state Alabama Highway 181.

Although it was sunny and hot at times, that didn’t stop either department from spending about 13 hours during the two-day drive, Champion said.

No amount of money was too small, though many folks donated $20 when approached, said Dan Lybarger, a Lake Forest resident who is a member of both organizations.

Even slightly “used” currency was gratefully accepted, he joked.

“We had one gentleman who said that the $7 he gave me had been pulled out of his boat. And because of the salt contamination, it was sticking together,” Lybarger said with a chuckle. “He said it was ours if we could get it apart. Needless to say, we did.”

Additional funds are especially important to the squad now, since it lost approximately $5,000 worth of electronic equipment due to a break-in earlier this year, Lybarger said.

A side-scan sonar — valued at about $2,000 — was one of the items that were stolen, he said.

In addition to a laptop computer and printer, a pair of night-vision goggles — valued at about $1,500 — were also taken.

Thieves reportedly broke into the back of the squad’s office, which is located behind Daphne City Hall.

“Part of this money that we’re collecting will help with that expense,” he said.

Lybarger agreed that the response from drivers had been positive. “Not only do they seem to know about our organizations, they are also glad to know that we’re here,” he said. “It’s really a good way to meet the public.”

Squad public information officer Michael Sager, who also helped with the fundraiser, said he is excited with the group’s ongoing plans to construct a new facility.

A meeting was held earlier this spring with public officials to generate interest — and potentially revenue — for a state-of-the-art command post and center, Sager said.

Sager said he was encouraged by the way officials at both the county and federal level have responded to the proposal.

“They especially seem to realize that in this day of heightened awareness about homeland security, this type of facility could be very helpful,” he said.

“And it could also be very functional to the community and region at other times, such as when we’re experiencing a hurricane,” Sager said.