Just prior to the northern Maine flooding, the Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter offered a 12-hour training to three local individuals interested in becoming Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) drivers.
Contributed photo
New drivers have been trained to operate the new Emergency Response Vehicle for the American Red Cross in Aroostook County. Pictured standing next to the ERV are Larry French, ERV instructor; Bill Thomas, George Knorr and Steven Corbin, the new drivers; and Lisa Michaud, an ERV instructor.
Steven Corbin, George Knorr and Bill Thomas passed all skill levels included in the classroom and road tests taught by the American Red Cross certified instructors, Larry French and Lisa Michaud.
The new ERV drivers were certified just in time. All three drivers were utilized for local deployment missions throughout Aroostook County during the flood response.
“The Red Cross is sincerely thankful to these men for the many house of training taken throughout the months of March and April to become certified ERV drivers,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County Branch Manager for the Pine Tree Chapter.
“Prior to taking the two-day course, these prospective drivers had to pass three prerequisite courses totaling nine hours and were re-certified in their CPR and First Aid training. The addition of three new drivers to our ERV team helped to ensure flood victims’ needs were met in the St. John Valley and Island Falls area simultaneously. Two additional Red Cross ERVs were sent up to Aroostook County to assist in the relief efforts – it was good to have a fleet of ERVs with qualified drivers to travel in different areas at once. The ERV teams distributed hot meals, snacks, clean-up kits and met one-on-one with individuals and families to help assess the needs of the affected communities,” Knorr said.
Red Cross ERV drivers also must be 21 years of age, pass a criminal background check, have a valid Class C drivers license, a clean driving record and pass a Defensive Driving Course.
For more information about becoming a Red Cross ERV driver or to volunteer, call the Red Cross office at 207-493-4620.
The Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross serves northern, central and eastern Maine with fire and disaster relief, Armed Forces Emergency, community preparedness and health and safety training services.
