The Cook County Emergency Services Conference on April 27-28 offered many hands-on training opportunities for emergency responders. Members of the Colvill Fire Department tried out extrication tools in the Vehicle Extrication session.
Sheriff Mark Falk welcomed attendees to the 23rd Cook County Emergency Services Conference on Friday, April 27 by thanking everyone—the fire fighters, First Responders, Search and Rescue and law enforcement personnel—for taking part in the conference.
Sheriff Falk noted that Cook County has an emergency response team envied by some other counties and municipalities. He said the emergency conference is unique in the region. Falk said it is amazing that our rural community has enough interested and involved people to staff nine volunteer fire departments and First Responder units and three ambulance services. “I commend all of you,” said Falk, “for stepping up.”
Attendees scattered to attend training in a variety of disciplines on Friday and Saturday. There were tabletop exercises to practice disaster scenarios; classes such as IS-100 and IS-700 disaster response training and ARMER radio system trainthe trainer courses.
The Cloquet Fire Department was on hand with its Mobile Live Training Unit—a massive burn trailer, giving firefighters the opportunity to feel what it is like to be in an interior fire situation. The trailer, larger than others that have been used at previous conferences gave the opportunity for extended periods of working hoses in the heat and smoke.
There were plenty of opportunities for hands-on training such as Car Crash Size-Up and Responder Safety, Helicopter Landing Zone Safety and Vehicle Extrication. The Cloquet Fire Department was on hand with its Mobile Live Training Unit—a massive burn trailer, giving firefighters the opportunity to feel what it is like to be in an interior fire situation. Cloquet Area Fire District Training & Safety Division Chief Ken Klatt oversaw the training, which he said was possible because of a donation from Minnesota Power that allowed the fire department to purchase the burn trailer. The trailer, larger than others used for training, gave the opportunity for extended periods of working hoses in the heat and smoke.
New this year was ATV Safety Training for Emergency Responders, a course designed for any emergency responders or law enforcement personnel who may need to need to use all-terrain vehicles to retrieve lost or injured people from the woods. Taught by Steve Jacobson, a retired Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officer, course participants included medical responders, Border Patrol officers and Search and Rescue personnel. Jacobson urged attendees to try to know the area where they worked. “Do what you need to do to get home for supper,” Jacobson said.
The Advanced ATV Safety for Emergency Responders course had a classroom portion, which covered all sorts of scenarios and tips for safe riding. Participants then had practical experience driving uphill and down, traversing side hills, climbing embankments, and for Search and Rescue, transporting a patient.
The Cook County ATV Club worked with Cook County Emergency Management to bring Jacobson to the conference. ATV Club President Mickey Brazell thanked Sheriff Falk for funding the training, which the ATV Club pushed for. “We know that there is a learning curve to riding fourwheelers. We don’t want someone to get hurt themselves, using an ATV to transport equipment or patients.”
There was also the opportunity for civilians to learn how they could help in disasters. MNResponds Regional Coordinator Jo Thompson offered an evening session on how anyone can take part as a community volunteer. For more information on this program, visit www.MNresponds.org.
Willie Olin of the Colvill Fire Department, captain of Cook County Search and Rescue, was presented with the 2011 Emergency Services Provider Award in recognition of his leadership in search and rescue. Emergency Management Director Jim Wiinanen made the presentation at the Emergency Management Conference Saturday night dinner.
The Emergency Services Conference wraps up with a delicious dinner for emergency responders, prepared by area restaurants and served by volunteers Garry and Renee Gamble, who also served light refreshments throughout the weekend.
After dinner three awards were presented. Law Enforcement Dispatcher Lindsay Mielke received the 2011 Dolly Johnson Friends of Emergency Services Award. She was nominated by her supervisor Judy Sivertson for her cheerful and dedicated support of her emergency services coworkers.
Dave Asproth, a founding member of Cook County’s Search and Rescue and dedicated member for many years, has had to step down because of his own health issues. He received a special certificate of recognition for all of his years of service to the community.
And finally, Willie Olin of the Colvill Fire Department, captain of Cook County Search and Rescue, was presented with the 2011 Emergency Services Provider Award in recognition of his leadership in search and rescue.
Above left: Dave Asproth, a founding member of Cook County Search and Rescue, received a special certificate of appreciation in recognition for his many years of service to the community. Above right: Cook County Law Enforcement Dispatcher Lindsay Mielke received the Dolly Johnson Friends of Emergency Services award. She was nominated by her supervisor Judy Sivertson.
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