From June 21 to June 23, 2019, Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) hosted Search and Rescue (SAR) training, certifying members as entry level “non-wilderness” responders.  Thirteen AAACERT members and two CERT members from other counties are now certified as SARTECH III by the National Association for Search and Rescue.  This certification enables AAACERT to assist in SAR events, when requested by the appropriate authorities, as trained responders.

Over the course of the three days, CERT members learned about search philosophy, tactics, and operations; they also studied clue consciousness, SAR resources, land navigation, and lost person behavior.  Under the expert tutelage of Jim Jackson and Bill Heisterhagen of the DELMARVA Search and Rescue Group, participants received classroom training, passed a written test, and successfully completed a land navigation and field exercise.

AAACERT trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. AAACERT volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies.

Photo: Instructors and Participants of AAACERT’s SARTECH III Course after the Final Evaluation (Photo submitted)