Following Hurricane Ivan, TJ Doherty spearheaded an effort by concerned citizens of Navarre, FL to establish a volunteer group focused on keeping their community functioning after a disaster.  Navarre is an unincorporated area of south Santa Rosa County (SRC) with 30,000 citizens.  During Ivan, both the SRC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Sheriff’s Department sustained catastrophic losses of critical communications nodes adversely affecting response and recovery operations. This left Navarre virtually isolated during the initial recovery phase.

TJ’s group chose the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) format as their organizational model for its disaster preparedness/response and organizational training focus.  They adapted the CERT model to their broader community-based emphasis.

With SRC just starting its CERT program, TJ and his group resourcefully capitalized on their extensive military, corporate, and first responder backgrounds to provide initial training to all members in preparation for the 2005 hurricane season.  Navarre, subsequently, was struck twice and each time TJ’s group provided assistance to the community by:

• ·        Developing information distribution systems informing citizens of shelter/POD locations
• ·        Performing damage assessments
• ·        Responding to citizen requests for cleanup and repair assistance

Recognizing training as the critical node in getting a CERT started, TJ and four other team members completed instructor training in late 2005.

• ·        Navarre CERT began operations in December 2005 with 25 individuals
• ·        They revamped CERT training from 20 to 32 hours for their community-wide focus, adding extensive communications and land search and rescue (SAR) training
• ·        Graduated first class in March of 2006; today, have trained over 80 individuals
• ·        Incorporated in late 2005 and became a not-for-profit in April, 2006
  • o   Provides additional grant and donation opportunities

• ·        Created a “virtual” office working collaboratively on business and operational matters at all hours and locations
  • o   SRC EOC receives operational status reports real-time

• ·        Added an Amateur Radio Club in 2008 that provides additional training and ensures communication connectivity with SRC EOC
• ·        Today, team has 65 members; 55 CERT qualified (9 instructors and 23 certified HAM radio operators)
  • o   Have been activated eight times for storms and SARs

• ·        TJ has been the Navarre CERT Coordinator and corporate President and Board Chairman almost exclusively since inception.

Members maintain proficiency and obtain additional training through a combination of:

• ·        Monthly meetings with refresher training
• ·        Attending Advanced CERT Academy training sessions and other conferences
• ·        Participating in disaster information distributions
• ·        Supporting community events with roving safety patrols, access control, and augmenting first responders
• ·        TJ has been instrumental in implementing this training concept

Navarre CERT has provided over 44,000 volunteer hours back to the community.  In recognition of its service, Navarre CERT:

• ·        Was named Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year in 2007
• ·        Received President’s Call to Service Award in 2008

TJ’s leadership, tenacity, and innovativeness have made these successes possible.  Combining his natural talents with his education and experience, he has provided a truly unique solution to a critical community and disaster-related situation.  His dedication in getting Navarre CERT started and making it into a quality organization is a truly exemplary example of dedicated community service.