Grant boosts local homeland security
Through Volunteer Florida, Elder Care Services, Inc., local sponsor of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, has received a federally-funded grant to involve area residents in emergency preparedness and safety control. The grant will engage Washington County citizens in a program initiative called Event Watch, which will directly impact operations of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, explained Project Director Julie Prevatt.
Event Watch utilizes volunteers to supplement the law enforcement presence at large community events to provide an added measure of safety for attendees. In Washington County, volunteers will receive training to help with traffic control at events such as the Relay for Life, Touchstone Energy® Balloon Festival, Watermelon Festival, Washington County Scholarship Trust Tractor Pull and Wausau Possum Festival. The additional support Event Watch volunteers furnish will alleviate need for the Sheriff’s Department to pull deputies from their regular patrols to provide security for events in the county.
Event Watch volunteers will receive both classroom and hands-on training in traffic safety, crowd control and basic first aid, as well as the equipment, supplies and insurance coverage necessary for carrying out their responsibilities. Benefits of participation will include recognition, satisfaction in being part a worthwhile effort to protect the community, free admission to events, T-shirts and caps. The first volunteer training is scheduled March 11. Interested persons may call Julie Prevatt at (850)547-2511 or (850)326-0109.
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