C.E.R.T MEMBERS ASSEMBLE T0 SUPPORT FIREFIGHTERS 
Laura Pacter North Naples, Florida, Public Education Officer, North Naples Fire Department

Nine members of the North Naples Community Emergency Response Team of Collier County, Florida quickly assembled to assist in the recent brush fires that spread across 15,500 acres over a period of five days.  

During two of those days, the team worked in the staging area and waited for firefighters to return to receive any fluids and treatment that was necessary.

“We were ready to help out in any way we could,” stated Lynne Szatkowski as she reflected back on her experiences as part of the team. One of Lynne’s roles on the team that day was to load items, such as food and bottled water into the chief’s vehicles that were going back out into the fires. Team members also were prepared to administer basic first aid to any returning firefighters, if requested by fire officials.

Florian Kanikula was a firefighter for thirty five years when he retired to Naples a few years ago. The last five years of service, he also served as chief of the department. Kanikula’s observations of his experiences as part of the C.E.R.T. program were that “it gives you a feeling that you are still contributing.” 

Through the collective efforts of the C.E.R.T volunteers who arrived and participated in the response to this wildfire, the emergency support function of the State Emergency Response Team was fulfilled and the undaunted efforts of these volunteers was commendable.

The following volunteers worked together those two days, and a “huge thanks” goes out to them from the North Naples Fire Department: Elaine Jones, Lynne Szatkowski, Florian Kanikula, Charlie Scott, Jack Worth, Bruce Graham, Corey Mercier, Joan MacInnes, and Gary Usher.

Return to   THE CONNECTION

  Click on the mail box to e-mail The Connection Editor