St. Thomas Prepares for Disaster and Honours First Responders
The Salvation Army in St. Thomas recently prepared personnel to assist in the event the community or surrounding area is affected in the future from an unexpected emergency or major disaster.
The first step in preparation was to provide training to local personnel. Beginning on Friday, February 15th, St. Thomas Citadel hosted “Introduction to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services” training. The purpose of this course was to introduce participants to The Salvation Army, Emergency Disaster Services and to prepare them for a disaster assignment.
Then, on Saturday, February 16th, training continued with “Disaster Food Service: Handling & Delivery”. This course prepared staff and volunteers to work efficiently and effectively in food services during an emergency or disaster situation. More than 30 people attended each of the training sessions.
“The Salvation Army counts it a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with our first responders”, says Perron Goodyear, Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Ontario Great Lakes Division. “While we pray we are not needed, this training will ensure local personnel are ready should our support ever be required.”
To conclude the weekend a special church service was held to honour the three local first response agencies; police, firefighters and paramedics. This “First Responders Appreciation Sunday” included participation by members of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Team from various parts of the Division.
During the service Certificates of Appreciation were presented to representatives of the St. Thomas Police Service, St. Thomas Fire Department and Elgin-St. Thomas EMS.
A group of EDS Responders at the St. Thomas workshop
Divisional EDS Director Perron Goodyear addresses the First Responders group in St. Thomas