Agencies Across Humboldt County Gather for a Training Day at Samoa Airport

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SAMOA (KIEM) – From firefighters, to police officers, to the Coast Guard. Different state and local agencies came together to learn from one another, all to prepare for any natural disaster.

It was a show and tell of different rescue strategies.

“The more that we get together with each other and the more interaction we have with each agency, the more comfortable we’re going to feel with each other,” said Helicopters Rescue Swimmers Chief Chris Razoyk.

Thirteen different agencies from Humboldt County came for a training day, all to learn and be better prepared for any emergency crisis.  

“In one word, inner-operability,” says Cal Fire pilot Tyler Leonard.

“We’re out here to make sure we can all work well together and that one aircraft from one agency can show up and support another agency the same as any other.”

The training included strategies such helicopter rescue, water rescue, and refueling.

Even getting down to the tiny details of what radio channels they should use.

“Communication is key,” says Sergeant Greg Hall of the California State parks, “talking about what types of radios we’re going to be using and how we will communicate with each other if there is a large response.”

It’s vital that all these emergency crews all learn from each other and build trust.

“You can’t build trust in crisis,” says Sector Commander Greg Fuller. “It’s really critical to build those relationships now, understand how each other operates and build that trust during training.”

In times of a crisis, it’s important for all emergency crews to know what’s happening and what resources they can use to aid those in danger. 

“It’s really important to know what everyone is bringing to the table and who we can call upon for what when it’s needed,” said Amy Conlin of Humboldt Bay Fire.