Fire engineer Nick Owens stepped up when many other Scotts Valley firefighters didn’t, taking on leadership of a program to train citizens to help their families and neighbors in a major disaster.
That was two years ago. And for his work with the Community Emergency Response Team program, Owens was recognized Tuesday, May 5, as Firefighter of the Year at Scotts Valley Fire Protection District.
The Scotts Valley Exchange Club sponsors the award each year, and the recipient is chosen by the district. Owens, who said he prefers to operate “under the radar,” was surprised by his selection.
“I think we have lots of guys who could be Firefighter of the Year,” he said. “Most of us run a program, whether it’s breathing apparatus, hoses or whatever.”
In 2007, the CERT program, started eight years ago by Battalion Chief Ron Whittle, was looking for a new leader.
“Not a lot of guys stepped forward,” Owens said, “so I stepped up. This is a position where you can make a difference with the public.”
The program has also helped the reticent Owens develop his training skills.
“I’m not the world’s best public speaker,” he said. “It helps me stand up in front of a group of strangers.”
There are more than 80 trained CERT members living in the fire district and seven active teams in neighborhoods and businesses, Owens said.
In their initial 20 hours of training, CERT members learn how to search for and rescue victims, basic fire suppression, first aid, handling gas and electric utilities and other skills.
CERT teams are activated following a major emergency, such as an earthquake or landslide, when first responders are overwhelmed with calls for service and can’t respond to them all.
Owens said a continuing challenge is keeping trained teams active and ready to respond, since after the initial training each team operates independently.
“I’ll be focusing on that,” he said.
Before assuming CERT leadership, Owens spent five years keeping district response maps up-to-date. He has been with the district since becoming a volunteer firefighter in 1989.
He was promoted to the rank of engineer, driving the engine and operating the pump, in 2001, and is also an acting captain.
