CERT In Action!
Navarre, Fla., CERT Assists in Search and Rescue
Early in the morning of Sunday, April 26, 2009, the Santa Rosa County emergency management office began the search for a young man who had disappeared the previous evening while swimming in rough surf conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. Within an hour of being alerted to the operation, the Navarre CERT activated, organized an Incident Command Post on the beach, and deployed three search-and-rescue (SAR) teams.
The Navarre CERT came under the direction of Sgt. Jeremy Snow of the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office immediately deployed multiple SAR strike teams, covering approximately 10 miles of coastline. Sixty-three volunteers, including 44 CERT members, were on the scene from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., when the Coast Guard suspended the search. Unfortunately, the search ended tragically when the young man’s body was recovered the following afternoon several miles west of the search area.
Due to the team's skillful organizing and previous experiences, Sgt. Snow directed the Navarre CERT to manage all volunteers associated with the effort. According to CERT Coordinator T.J. Doherty, prior SAR experience helped keep volunteer efforts running smoothly. He credits a strong Incident Command System and experienced section chiefs with keeping order and involving volunteers in the effort. Doherty also attributes the team’s efficiency and organization to ongoing practice. “Every exercise, drill, or community event, even festivals, is a way to strengthen as a team and improve communication and response skills,” says Doherty.
The Navarre CERT was formed in 2005 after hard-hitting Hurricane Ivan illustrated the need for additional emergency support services in the area. It currently has more than 100 members. The team is frequently activated by the fire department to assist in search-and-rescue operations. The team relies on what they learned in CERT basic training as well as techniques they learn in advanced training provided by CERT instructors. This monthly refresher training has taught the CERT how to use a map grid system and how to code and decode grid coordinates. Their skills will be especially valuable in the future because the county’s SAR team recently disbanded, making the Navarre CERT the fire department’s first call when it needs SAR assistance.
For more information, please contact T.J. Doherty at TJ@MC130.com.