Our team was started, not to replace any agency, but to give extra manpower in the event of an emergency. We are able to put enough people on the job so that Law Enforcement Agencies can free up their people to answer other calls. This has worked well.
Serving the community and helping people in trouble with our experience, team members and equipment is what we are all about.
Some of the services we have provided to our community include
Search and Rescue in Northeast Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas
Search and Rescue in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina
Skywarn, which is spotting and reporting severe weather
Recovery of drowning victims
Recovery of victims from aircraft accidents
Hazardous material spills (ammonia tank leak in Bonita La.)
IMC plant in Sterlington after explosion
Transported personnel to vital jobs (hospital employees) during ice storms
Helped victims of flooding and high water
Provided first aid at past Arts and Crafts Shows
Provided first aid at past fairs
With the addition of several newly licensed Amateur "HAM" Radio Operators in the unit, we will also focus on providing emergency communications for the 12 parishes of northeast Louisiana, which are known as the Troop-F State Police Region, the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Region 8, and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Region 8. The region is also the ARES Northeast District.
We will go to any regional area which members can travel.
We are also in possession of one of three State of Louisiana Communications Trailers.
Pictures and capabilities will soon follow on a webpage.
After Hurricane Katrina, amateur radio was the primary means of communications into and out of the area. We will have practice drills throughout the year and possibly provide communications during local events for training.
