Way back in 2006, Evan Schumann, was a Program Manager with Ohio Task Force 1, State of Ohio Urban Search and Rescue, part of National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, FEMA, US Department of Homeland Security, USA, and he was a guest speaker at the September 2006 Mountain Rescue Conference, where he presented an excellent illustrated lecture on the terrible Hurricane Katrina disaster in the USA, with emphasis on the Response and Rescue Issues for the Rescuer.
Evan had been collected from Manchester Airport and taken up to the Conference by Bolton MRT team member at the time Dave Healey, and he expressed an interest in visiting our base on his homeward journey.
At the conclusion of the conference Dave transported him to our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ where team members had collected all our four vehicles at the time, and our Control and Catering Trailers together to await Evan’s visit.
Our Air Scenting Search Dog Handler at the time Dave Marsh (with Search Dog Chi) was also on hand to greet Evan.
Evan stayed at our base for three hours and his interest in UK Search and Rescue originating at the conference was furthered by meeting some of the Bolton MRT team members, including Search Dog Chi (who pestered Evan into, eventually, giving up his dinner sandwich to the much better cause of Chi’s stomach!) and having a look over our vehicles, base and search and rescue equipment.
Our Team Leader Garry Rhodes (no MBE at the time!) was particularly appreciative on a personal level for the very kind comments Evan delivered to him about the team and our friendliness, and also the support and kind personal words Evan offered Garry regards the many problems he faced as a Team Leader – they were not that different from issues faced in Evan’s own organisation back home.
Evan’s visit to our Base concluded with Garry presenting Evan with a BMRT summer shirt and baseball cap.
In turn Evan presented Garry with badge ’patches’ of his organisation, and a FEMA Ohio Urban Search and Rescue Sweatshirt, all of which are still proudly displayed within a covered picture frame on the walls within our Base / HQ.
On Tuesday 15th September 2015, we were surprised to receive the following Facebook very kind comment from our dear friend Evan;
“Evan Shumann. Works at FEMA and US&R.
WOW! I cannot believe I found this site. That trip will be 9 years ago next month, October. I very much remember my time in Manchester, the MR Conference, and my meal and fellowship with my S&R brothers and sisters with Bolton MRT. I have never been treated with more respect and warmly than my few hours with you all. Thank you for the friendship, support, and for a wonderful set of memories.
Evan, 15 Sept ’15, Program Manager OH-TF1.”
Well Evan we all hope you and your family are well, and its nice to hear you are still serving with FEMA and Urban Search and Rescue – as ever you are always welcome to come over the big pond and visit us at any time as our guest.
Please also see website ‘News’ report dated Sunday 24th September 2006
