Haddix top volunteer

LINCOLN – Sidney's Randy Haddix was honored as one of Nebraska's top volunteers in the area of emergency preparedness and disaster response when Lt. Governor Mike Foley presented Be Prepared awards at a ceremony in late September.

Haddix was recognized as Citizen Corps volunteer of the year award, for his commitment to the Region 21 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Haddix volunteers his time as the Training Coordinator for Region 21 CERT.

As the CERT coordinator, Haddix ensures that volunteers are not only trained in basic disaster preparedness and response, but also makes sure they have opportunities to interact with other first responder agencies that they may be working alongside during a disaster or emergency.

Region 21 Director Ron Leal, who nominated Haddix, said the award was "well deserved."

"Randy makes sure CERT volunteers have access to training that not only incorporates learning new skills, but also allows volunteers to interact with local first responder agencies," Leal said. "He understands that a close relationship between volunteers and first responders is important to a successful disaster response."

Leal said Haddix, who has been the CERT coordinator for two years, has been a program advocate, working hard to maintain the program through recruitment and maintaining a high level of training.

"Randy's efforts have helped Region 21 CERT grow into another asset for first responders in Region 21," Leal said.

"I think there are a lot of people out there who are more deserving," Haddix said. "But it's an honor that we accomplished enough to be recognized."

Haddix emphasized the "we" several times while speaking with the Sun-Telegraph, saying that CERT's success is due to the team that has been formed, and members' dedication to its success. Haddix has been the Region 21 CERT coordinator for two years.

CERT is made up of community volunteers who stand ready to assist local law enforcement, fire departments and other officials who respond to emergencies. Region 21 serves Cheyenne, Deuel Morrill and Garden counties. Currently, bulk of the CERT team volunteers are from Morrill and Cheyenne counties, although Haddix hopes the team can be expanded so there are team members available quickly throughout Region 21.

"We're ready to help with whatever they need," Haddix said.

That help could anything from providing REFRESH, or drinks and other physical refreshment to a fire department on a scene, to providing man power for a search and rescue operation. In addition to the skills to provide first aid, the team also has the training to organize other volunteers in case of a disaster.

The Region 21 team meets monthly at the Dalton Fire Hall. Anyone interested in serving the area through CERT is encouraged to contact Leal or Haddix through the Region 21 office at 254-7100.

The Be Prepared awards program is in its ninth year of honoring Nebraskans who volunteer their time and energy to support preparedness in Nebraska communities. The awards are sponsored by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Nebraska Citizen Corps Program and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.

"Preparing yourself, your family, and your community for a disaster or emergency is important," said Nebraska Citizen Corps Coordinator Ryan Lowry. "Those honored with the Be Prepared Awards understand that our communities are stronger and more resilient when we are prepared. Their commitment to disaster preparedness and response is truly appreciated. "