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February 2026
Inside: Invitation to our 20th Anniversary celebration, learn how K9s help Manatee County Search and Rescue, meet the newest members on our Leadership team, and discover how you can become involved.
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As we mark a meaningful milestone this year, I want to thank our members for the commitment they bring to our CERT mission. This year, we celebrate LWR CERT’s 20th anniversary, a recognition of two decades of neighbors helping neighbors, strengthening preparedness, and supporting first responders when it matters most.
Together, we honor the past by staying ready for the future. Whether you are a member or not, I hope you will join us at the celebration Feb. 7 at Greenbrook Adventure Park from 10 AM -1 PM. See you at the Park!
Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)
President, LWR CERT
941.404.8606
| | 20 Years Strong—And This Is the Celebration You Can’t Miss! | | |
Get ready for one of the most unforgettable Lakewood Ranch community events ever staged. On Saturday, February 7, Greenbrook Adventure Park transforms into a high-energy hub of gratitude, excitement, and family fun as we honor our first responders and celebrate 20 years of LWR CERT’s service.
Think Touch-A-Truck thrills, drone demos that defy gravity, bomb unit robot demos, hands-only CPR that could save a life, and food trucks serving up local flavor—all wrapped in a festival atmosphere that screams “Lakewood Ranch pride.”
This isn’t just another Saturday. It’s a milestone. Be there. Be part of history.
| | RECAP: Lifesaving K9 capabilities showcased at Town Hall public event | | |
by Kathie Neal
Members of LWR CERT and local residents gathered on January 24 for an engaging public event featuring Manatee County Search and Rescue (MCSAR), an all-volunteer organization dedicated to public safety using emergency search and rescue procedures.
Founded in 1999 in response to a recognized need for enhanced search and rescue capability in Manatee County, MCSAR activates during emergencies and works in close coordination with county and local law enforcement, marine first responders, and EMS agencies. Over the years, the team has carried out rescues in high water and flood conditions, particularly during hurricanes, as well as ground searches, medical and tactical rescues, and recovery missions.
The January event placed a special spotlight on MCSAR’s K9 teams and the remarkable abilities of their search dogs. Team members Jared Leggett, MCSAR Chief, and Kevin Vreeland introduced attendees to their partners: Kaido, a German Shepherd, and Bella Grace, a German Weimaraner. Both dogs, attendees learned, came to their handlers after experiencing abuse and neglect from previous owners. Today, they live with their handlers, are fully integrated into their families, and serve as trusted working partners in the field.
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Chief Leggett explained the science behind canine scent detection, noting that dogs have between 125 and 225 million olfactory receptors, with as much as 30% of their brain dedicated to processing smell. During a search, the dogs independently investigate an area, reporting back to their handler using a combination of behaviors and signals such as barking, pawing or scratching, and walking back and forth between the handler and the scent clue leading the handler to the location. In some operations, Wi-Fi technology can even be used to help track a dog’s movement. Their alert techniques are crucial for the safety and effectiveness of search and rescue operations.
Attendees also learned about the rigorous training required to prepare K9s for real-world missions. Trainers focus on building drive and motivation, ensuring dogs remain eager and focused even in challenging environments. Because of Florida’s dense palm brush, dogs may wear protective goggles to shield their eyes, and “skin wraps” are used during training to prepare them for field conditions. Urban environments present additional challenges, and for safety, especially in Florida’s heat, dogs are rotated out approximately every 20 minutes to give them a chance to refresh before returning to the field when needed.
Importantly, MCSAR emphasized that K9 teams are deployed only after first responders have completed their initial scene assessments, ensuring coordinated and safe operations. They also shared why early reporting from the public is critical in missing-person cases.
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MCSAR is composed of nine K9 teams and approximately 30 to 40 volunteer staff members. The organization conducted more than 100 events throughout Manatee County in 2025 and is funded entirely through donations, which support everything from training to specialized equipment.
The event offered a powerful look into the dedication, science, and teamwork behind search and rescue operations, underscoring the vital role MCSAR plays in community safety. To learn more, visit manateecountysar.org
Click here to see additional photos and the event coverage by The Observer.
Thank you John McInally, producer; Jim Curran, moderator and tech support specialist; Kathie Neal and Corrine Wagner, registration; Cynthia Olcott, backpack explainer; Paulette Kessler-Westerman and Rich Raymond, photographers; and John Wilkey, John Moelhman and Phil Westerman, ambassadors. The meeting was organized by Jim Curran, Karen Emanuelson and Gloria Schroeck.
| | 2026 Brings New Leadership to LWR CERT | |
New Board Member
At the January Board meeting, Pam Charron was appointed Director, Team Captains. In this role, Pam will serve as the liaison to our valued Team Captains, working closely with them to support communication, coordination, and continued program success.
Pam completed LWR CERT Basic Training in 2025 and has been a local resident since 2007. She resides at The Moorings at Edgewater and serves on Team 22. Her professional background includes more than 20 years of owning and operating a business with her husband, Dave, followed by a successful 20+ year real estate career here in Florida.
Pam’s strong organizational skills and deep business experience in our community will add meaningful value to the Board and to LWR CERT as a whole. Welcome to the Board, Pam!
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New Operations Manager
William Cobb graduated from LWR CERT Basic Training in October 2025. He is a retired telecom and video engineer.
William is a licensed FAA Certified Drone Pilot. He lives in Edgewater Sound and is a member of Team 22. Welcome to the team, William!
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New Technology Manager
John Hennesey graduated from LWR CERT Basic Training in March 2024. He has worked in the technology industry for 35 years and is currently leading a team of 15 people with architecture, product development, automation, support and infrastructure related work.
John holds a General Amateur Radio License (KM4BRP) and serves as Hub 5 and a technical resource to the Radio Committee. He lives in Greenbrook Gardens and is a member of Team 11. He is excited to meet each of you, help learn the tools to make technology as easy and efficient for us all, and teach anyone who would like to learn. Welcome to the team, John!
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New Team Captain - Team 23
Gabrielle Field has agreed to serve as Team Captain of Team 23, which covers the Edenmore, Lismore and Wexford neighborhoods in Country Club West.
Gabrielle graduated from LWR CERT Basic Training in 2024 and completed her Team Captain training January 22. Welcome, Gabrielle!
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Heroes in Training: LWR CERT Members Earn CPR Certification | |
On Saturday, January 17, a dedicated group of LWR CERT members stepped up to strengthen their life-saving skills—and our entire community is safer because of it. Through hands-on instruction and rigorous practice, these volunteers earned their CPR certification from the American Red Cross, joining the ranks of those prepared to act when seconds count.
CPR—short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation—is one of the most powerful tools in emergency response. When performed quickly and correctly, it can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. For LWR CERT members, this training isn’t just a badge—it’s a commitment to being ready when their neighbors need them most.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to our Director of Community Outreach Jim Curran, whose leadership and coordination made this training possible. Congratulations to our newly certified responders: Pablo Acevedo (Team 11), Joe Butch (Team 22), Dave Cashbaugh (Team 25), Maureen Corristan (Team 2), Jim Curran (Team 32), Jim Emanuelson, (Team 26), Karen Emanuelson (Team 26), Polly Greene (Team 36), Stephen Greene (Team 36), Matt Hennigan (Team 1), George Jenckes (Team 26), Magdalena Jones (Team 17), Diana Liou (Team 26), Kathie Neal (Team 32), Mike Rogers (Team 13), Gloria Schroeck (Team 9), and John Wilkey (Team 22). A number of these LWR CERT members are also part of the LWR CERT AED Network, hosting publicly accessible AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) at their homes.
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Want to help? Residents of CEVA, SRVA, GBVA, and CCW are encouraged to download the PulsePoint AED App (yellow), register, then locate the AED nearest your home. To join the life-saving network, "Request AED-Needed Alerts."
Once you have signed up for the alerts, you will receive a notification through the app from 911 if there is a need within ¼ mile of the AED location. You will receive this alert at the same time as Emergency Services is notified by 911. If you are available, you can take the AED to where it is needed and help until EMS arrives.
| | When the Thermometer Hit 38°, LWR CERT Still Showed Up | | |
Before dawn broke on January 17, a dedicated crew of LWR CERT volunteers braved the 38‑degree chill to support the Lakewood Ranch Mindful Triathlon held at Waterside Place.
Thank you to (pictured, from left) George Haralampoudis (LWR CERT organizer), Dave Cashbaugh, and Arcinee Hermiston along with Jim Hermiston (photographer) for stepping up with just two days’ notice to provide safety and first aid support for this event.
Short notice, cold morning, committed turnout—that’s LWR CERT in action.
| | Resident Orientation for new Lakewood Ranch residents | |
Resident Orientation is presented by Town Hall to aid new residents as they adapt to their new homes. Attendees will learn the differences between CDDs and HOAs, plus hear the latest updates from the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities (LWRCA), LWR CERT, and IDA staff. The next Resident Orientation is Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 5-7 PM at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
Registration required. Register online at lakewoodranchgov.org or call 941-907-0202.
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River Club CERT offers February/March Basic Training | |
River Club CERT has a spring Basic Training class scheduled for February 28, March 7 and March 14 from 9 AM - 4 PM, at a local fire station. While the class is open to all area residents, River Club CERT will only run the class if a minimum of 8 River Club residents are registered.
Registration and details at: https://forms.gle/nbPzmeFK9ReM7B2H8.
Questions? Contact riverclubcert@gmail.com
| Glen Lakes CERT offers April Basic Training | |
Glen Lakes CERT has a spring Basic Training class scheduled for April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 from 1-5 PM at Cedar Hammock Fire Station 3, 6601 53rd Ave W in Bradenton.
Registration and details at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/glenn-lakes-cert-training-tickets-1977773044416 Questions? Contact Steve Litschauer
| CERT Train-the-Trainer Course | |
Glen Lakes CERT and S2 Readiness Inc. are offering a CERT Train-the-Trainer course in May at the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Training Center, 6601 53rd Avenue West in Bradenton. The course will meet May 20 - 22 from 9 AM - 5 PM. Prerequisite: completion of CERT Basic Training (must provide proof of completion).
Registration and details at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cert-train-the-trainer-tickets-1979922018054 Questions? Contact Steve Litschauer
| | SRQ seeks "victims" for 2026 Airport Disaster Exercise | |
New drone operator
Congratulations to Team 8 Team Captain Cynthia Olcott who recently passed the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtained her Remote Pilot Certificate. Cynthia is now a licensed drone pilot.
| Steve Litschauer named Chairman of CHFR | | Congratulations to LWR CERT member Steve Litschauer for being voted in as the Chairman of the Commission for the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Control District (CHFR) for 2026. | |
LWR CERT participates in 2026 CERT Summit
LWR CERT Board members (from left) Jim Curran, Dave Esslinger and Jim Emanuelson attended the Patterson Foundation's 2026 CERT Summit January 29 in Sarasota.
They joined CERT teams and community leaders from Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties to focus on connecting and strengthening our communities in the areas of preparedness, recovery and resiliency.
LWR CERT members Steve Litschauer and Sharon Litschauer each presented a breakout session.
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February Birthdays
Happy Birthday to members Rinita Acevedo (Team 11), Mark Boutote (Team 16), John Brooks (Team 36), Paul Catalano (Team 25), Bill Corristan (Team 2), Emil Efthimides (Team 28), Patricia Flinton (Team 32), Stephen Greene (Team 36), Tom Hickey (Team 32), Larry Hippich (Team 13), Joyce Kelly (Team 26), Stephen Kost (Team 10), Bill Quaid (Team 2), William Sanderson (Team 28), Bron Scherer (Team 36), James Schmidt (Team 20), Arline Stein (Team 28), and Bonnie Teske (Team 35)
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February Service Anniversaries
We are thankful for our volunteer members. These members are celebrating their Service Anniversary this month:
16 years - Andy Goyer (Team 33) and Anne Goyer (Team 33)
3 years - Dan Gulling (Team 31), Anna Albano (Team 16), Arcinee Hermiston (Team 28), Jim Hermiston (Team 28), Jillian Kubacki (Team 22), Jim O'Donnell (Team 36), Martha O'Donnell (Team 36), Alan Roth (Team 9), James Schmidt (Team 20), Gloria Schroeck (Team 9), Ronald Spiegel (Team 26), Rosemary Stack (Team 32), and James Troeller (Team 17)
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