PETOSKEY SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES (EDS) NEEDS ON-CALL VOLUNTEERS
PETOSKEY SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES (EDS) NEEDS ON-CALL VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS – FIRST TRAINING OCTOBER 19th
PETOSKEY, MI, September 24, 2024 –The Salvation Army of Petoskey is excited to announce the enhancement of its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) program. The first official EDS volunteer training for Canteen Operations will be held at their Community Center on Saturday, October 19th, from 9AM-3PM with lunch provided. Anyone interested in volunteering to be part of an EDS Team that will support first responders such as fire-fighters, police and other emergency crews must register for the training by Friday, October 11th by calling the main office at (231) 347-3531. The goal is to expand The Salvation Army’s EDS services by enlisting a minimum of 9 volunteers to create at least 3 dedicated teams of 3 that will rotate being on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to support local first responders.
“Disaster response has always been a passion of mine” says Envoy Roman Hank. “I’m looking forward to getting our teams up and running again so we can better serve our community”.
Emmet County Emergency Management Coordinator Matthew Blythe P.E.M. says “My job as Emergency Manager is to plan for a bad day. On those bad days both the first responders and the people involved need help. It is essential to have the assistance of organizations like the Salvation Army to help those responding to that bad day, as well as those having that bad day. Without their efforts my plans are just paper on a shelf.”
Over the years the Petoskey Corps has responded to many local disasters to assist and serve first responders and victims during apartment fires, missing person searches and other emergencies; however, staffing challenges have limited the capacity of the EDS program. Establishing dedicated EDS volunteer teams will improve the efficiency, quality and availability of services which will allow the EDS program to perform at an optimal level of support. Upon arrival at emergency locations, on-call EDS Teams work with first responders to ensure they set up in a safe location that does not interfere with emergency rescue operations. They will then assess immediate needs of emergency crews and victims such as food, water and shelter. They will also gain contact information to enable The Salvation Army’s Social Services department and other partner organizations are able to follow up with victims to assess their extended needs.
The Salvation Army of Petoskey helps many individuals and families each year. To give, please visit SAPetoskey.org online and click on “Donate Now” or drop-off or mail checks to The Salvation Army of Petoskey’s Community Center office located at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770. You can also donate gently used items and shop at The Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 1615 Clarion Ave in Petoskey. Proceeds support local programs and services.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. For more information about our ministries, programs, or services, please visit www.SAPetoskey.org or call (231) 347-3531.
