Who You Gonna Call…?

Volunteer Cassie Rickert tapes up a Macker participant

NC Emergency Services stepped up at the recent Gus Macker in Newaygo
 
From organizers and  players to spectators and food trucks nearly all who were involved in Newaygo’s first Gus Macker Event deemed it a huge success. Not the least among the folks pitching in to make Newaygo’s Macker #1 a quality event was the crew from Newaygo County Emergency Services.

Once again the team of volunteers were on hand to ensure the safety of the participants as they have whenever a situation calls for them to be at the ready.
Extensive training with an emphasis on preparedness has been the calling card of the ES team and their ability to respond whether it be a large scale event like the Macker or a crisis situation such as flooding or other natural disasters is second to none.

​Here are the ES numbers  from the recent Macker event:

What is it that inspires people from the community to join the ES team?
We asked a few of the team members.
​
"I like being part of a team that has received comprehensive training in the skills needed to support coverage and safety at local events, and assist local law enforcement and emergency responders in various disaster response activities and situations. We make a difference by supporting the community and individuals in times of need (large or small) and by promoting emergency preparedness." -Dianne Taylor-Chandler

 "Being on the team for the past 12 years has been beyond rewarding. We are not only a team but a second family for each other. I love interacting with the community and sharing awareness in being prepared at home. It is wonderful to be a part of a team that has the same passion and drive that I do when it comes to helping the community when it is in need. Being able to volunteer alongside my husband and even include our daughters into some of the training is just amazing!" - BobbyJo Deater

"Being part of the CERT team is like having a second family.  We look out for each other, work well together and get things done.  It is a great way to do service out in the community and receive training to help assist law enforcement, etc. when needed. " - Shari Paulsen

“We have a great team! They are like family and I really enjoy working with them. These wonderful individuals give of their time and talents to help with event support, (medical, safety, logistics), flooding, damage assessment, administrative tasks, and so much more.  They are our force amplifiers! We could not do everything we do without them. Come join us.  - Renee Gavin, Deputy Director, Newaygo County Emergency Services

Newaygo County Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins encourages all members of the community to learn what they can do to help their community before, during, and after a disaster. “An organized and efficient response to a large-scale emergency depends on the active participation of members of the community. When members of the community show up to help with no formal training, it can overwhelm and clog the response efforts,” stated Watkins. “By getting trained, you will have the knowledge and skills to help save lives and protect property.”

Photo by Renee Gavin

Photo by Tim Deater

Want to join the group making a difference when it comes to helping your community?
Mae a visit to this link.
https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/departments/emergency-services/volunteer-opportunities/

Here are the folks who were helping out at the Newaygo Gus Macker 2022:
 MEDICAL TEAM
Director Abby Watkins, Incident Commander
Dep Director Renee Gavin, Medical Command
James Farinosi, DO, Medical Tent
Gretchen Farinosi, RN, BS, Medical Tent
Mike Rinehart, Medical Tent
Dianne Taylor Chandler, Medical Tent
James Kilmer, Roving/Courtside Medical
Linda Kilmer, Roving/Courtside Medical
Shari Paulsen, Roving/Courtside Medical
Mark Watkins, Roving/Courtside Medical
Cassie Rickert, Spectrum Health Gerber Rehab, Medical Tent

 LOGISTICS/ATV Transport
Tim Deater
Tim Bitson
​Josh Westgate
Renee Gavin: These guys do so much, they take care of our tech, tow, set up, and maintain our heavy equipment. Heavy equipment includes the CERT/MRC trailer, our Command Trailer, ATV’s (the Sheriffs office lets us borrow theirs), digital sign, generators, radios and anything else that needs any fixing, moving, or Macgyvering.
 
LOGISTICS/FOOD SUPPORT
Bobby Jo Deater
RG- She is a member of our Admin Team, helps out in all areas, married to Tim and a great cook!