Volunteers sought for emergency team

Although the response has already been good, Pam Tucker says her office is still looking for volunteers to help in times of emergency.

After training, those volunteers will become members of the county's Community Response Team.

"What this (course) does is get people trained so whenever something happens, they can respond spontaneously and be of great assistance to fire, law enforcement and EMS teams that are out there,'' said Tucker, the county's emergency services director.

In 2004, 86 people were certified through the program, which is funded by a Homeland Security grant. A 40-slot course set to begin Feb. 22 is already full, but those on a standby list will fill any cancellations. Reservations are being accepted for the next class, slated to begin in July.

Tucker said anyone 18 or older can take the free training and become a certified member. No special skills are needed, she said.

"We get a great mix," Tucker said, adding that no one will be turned away. Volunteers will be put on a waiting list.

"As long as there are people to come to these classes, we plan to do it,'' she said.

Anyone interested in signing up should contact the Emergency Management Agency office at 868-3303 or e-mail Tucker at ptucker@columbiacountyga.gov.