The heart and soul of our work at Ground Zero is preparedness and these uncertain times are no exception. Like any disaster or time of crisis, there comes a time when we must pick up the pieces and move forward. As we find our new way forward, we want to share a few updates with you.
You may have seen the announcement on Facebook that we’ve taken steps to ensure our on-site trainers are provided for during this time, thanks to financial support received prior to this crisis from a number of corporate sponsors and donors. As our corporate sponsors and individual donors face unprecedented times, we remain hopeful and grateful that better days are ahead!
While our campus will remain closed to visitors until further notice, we are incredibly grateful to have a plan that allows our trainers to continue our mission. Ground Zero trainers, canines and first responders continue to train daily and will be ready should a disaster occur.
We appreciate each and every one of you who have reached out to check on us in these uncertain times. Please know that Ground Zero remains committed to our mission and Covid-19 has really shown us how important preparedness is when faced with a number of unknowns, both in our community and throughout the world.
And finally, with all the uncertainty in our world today, may each of us look for ways to share kindness however we can; it really is the Oklahoma standard!
Be sure to follow Ground Zero on Facebook as we make it our goal to bring a smile to your face as we all move forward, together. We’re working to create some fun, interactive, virtual experiences for the entire family!
With love and gratitude, Becky Switzer Founder, Ground Zero Emergency Training Center
Look What We Have Planned for You
We’re following the lead of our friends at the OKC Zoo and museums across the country, to provide educational entertainment for children at home. Here are a few of the things you won’t want to miss!
Behind the Scenes at Ground Zero
Zero to Hero Training Videos
Q&A with Ground Zero Trainers
Story Time with Barry & Becky Switzer
Adventures with Mr. Magoo
And More!
Event Announcements
Ground Zero OKC Memorial Marathon T-shirts will be printed for the new date of October 4, 2020. If you didn’t get a chance to order your t-shirt, you have some extra time!
Due to Covid-19, we will not be able to move forward with the “Dinner on the Fifty,” event, originally scheduled for May 2, 2020. Due to the unique nature of the event and the excitement it generated with our donor base, we are working to secure a date for Spring 2021. We’re in the process of planning a fun event for Fall 2020 that promises to be something to celebrate bringing us together! Details to come!
It’s Not a Matter of If…But When
When it comes to being prepared for a disaster, the facts tell us that it’s not a matter of if, but when. It’s almost too much to think about dealing with a natural or man-made disaster on top of everything we have going on in the world right now due to Covid-19, but staying prepared prevents us from vulnerability should a disaster occur. That’s why we are committed to continuing our training at Ground Zero Emergency Training Center.
As a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, Ground Zero relies on the support of generous corporate donors, foundations and individuals to provide specialized training for first responders and their canine partners. Small or large, every gift makes a difference toward preparedness and saving lives.
From school and library visits to chamber meetings and ongoing training, the Ground Zero team of trainers, handlers and, of course, canines have been busy sharing the mission with our community! Take a look…
MUST SEE VIDEO OF GROUND ZERO’S VISIT TO CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY
WILDERNESS TESTING
Several handlers recently passed their final exam for the NASAR SARTECH III Live Find Wilderness certification. Congratulations to Jeff Leon & K9 Venus, Devon Bally & K9 Kylie, Robin Mendenhall & K9 “Big T”.
WILDERNESS TESTING
Congratulations to Jeff Leon & K9 Truman and Amanda Moore & K9 Seven for passing their SARTECH III HRD Wilderness test. This test consists of searching 4 different 1 acre areas, multiple vehicles, and even buildings. Shout out to Tammy Robertson (pictured in the middle) for facilitating the test and making this possible.
EDMOND FIRE DEPARTMENT
Dozer and Gus along with the GZ staff visited the Edmond Fire Department Training Facility.
LIBRARY VISIT
GZ canines, Garcon, Willow, Magoo, Forrest, Shero and Piper recently visited the Tuttle Library for Storytime and a short demo
Social media is an important platform to share our mission! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, comment and share our posts to help us reach more people!
No comments have been posted yet.