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In a joint inter-Agency cooperative initiative the Bear Search & Rescue Foundation will make available initially to the United State Coast Guard Auxiliary at least one Foundation owned vessel for use as an Auxiliary Operational Facility. In the very near future other vessels will become available and similarly turned into ongoing USCGA Facilities.
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, First District Southern Region, will provide qualified crew (coxswains) for the operation of this facility. Outside Search and Rescue organizations will staff in water rescue personnel for missions and cooperative training. A minimum of Emergency Medical technician and rescue swimmer will staff each vessel and supply rescue equipment.
The focus of this initiative will be to provide additional operational facilities initially in Manhattan for use as training and response facility in New York Harbor. Further, it will provide a means by which to cross train and work with other search and rescue agencies in the locality. In an ongoing effort to maximize the number water trained rescuers these agencies will regularly ride aboard vessels for training and response purposes while the facility is underway. Partner agencies will include but, not be limited to New York Search & Rescue, Battery Park City Emergency Response Team, Northeast Search and Rescue, Aviation Volunteer Fire Dept.
This program will serve as a model pilot program with plans to expand it throughout region and then the Nation in the coming months and years.
For the Bear Search & Rescue Foundation - Scott Shields Pres BSARF
For the US Coast Guard Auxiliary - Cdr. John Felker & COMO Charles Sferra
For Sector New York - Capt. Glen Wiltshire
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