Thanks to ALL

I want to take the time to personally thank all of the wonderful people who have made our deployment possible to help the oiled wildlife. I know I can't name all of you but I would like to mention some. The crew from Bay Area Dart and their leader Connie Brooks. Without them, we could never have made this possible. Pam Burns for tirelessly working on scheduling issues, Laura and JT for bringing their big rig in when mine needed to be elsewhere. All of the other Sumter DART members that are too numerous to list, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!. For the most part, you've all made us look very professional and like we actually know what we're doing. There is no place for cowboys amongst us and I know we've stepped up to prove there are none.
The University of Florida's vet's Emergency response team has deployed a truck, trailer, and a team mate to Louisiana also.
I can't forget my wife either. She's stepped right up and taken the reins at our business and our home while I'm away and has had to take care of all of our animals too. My employee Daniel Hickey for taking care of the equipment and getting it ready.
I would also like to Thank Carmen, Beth, and Resee and Rejina from US Fish and Wildlife These ladies have been tireless in guiding us through the needed efforts to make this happen.

16 Birds Released that Sumter DART transported

In the early morning hours of July 28th 2010, Ronnie Graves and Angela Shields rolled into the rehab facility in Hammond Louisiana and picked up 14 birds to be released. We then continued on to LSU in Baton Rouge to pick up two more at the vets school. We then proceeded to drive to Grand Chenier to the Roosevelt Wildlife Refuge to meet with the Louisiana Wildlife personnel. They were so nice. They invited us to be included in releasing some of the birds. Basically, they allowed us to open the kennel doors. Who would've thought that one could get so excited just opening a door. The birds walked out then flew to freedom. Some sat around on the pier just looking around before taking off but they all eventually flew away. BEAUTIFUL.

Our NEW TRANSPORTER "Beagle 2"

This is our latest addition to our fleet of transporters. This is a Brand New leftover 2007 SportChassis truck with a 2008 Pace American 44' trailer. 4 AC/Heat systems, 2 Intake powered roof vents, 4 Exhaust fans mounted in the floor to exhaust bad air  out. E Track along both walls for either strapping or shelving to secure varying sized kennels in.
We topped it all off by adding a 20KW Power Technologies Diesel generator on the truck controlling the electrical needs of the trailer and additional outlets on board the truck.
Next, we will be adding 184 Gallons of water and building a bathroom and shower on board the trailer plus adding a hydraulic landing gear set on the front.

What an adventure

Sumter DART was involved in a very unique transport last week. We got to be one of the transport vehicles to move the birds from Ft Jackson La, to Hammond, La where a brand new rehab facility has just been completed.
We got to be involved in moving over 350 birds at once. Working with the folks at US FWS, Tri State and IBRRC has been such a rewarding experience. Getting to be involved will go down as one of the highlights in my life of rescuing animals.

Oil Response Transports

Working within the system can be challenging. First, all of our people have to have ICS 100, 200, and 700 completed and an additional course from BP. Some of us have had to take the 24 hour HazWopper course. All of our command level staff have gone on to get ICS 300, and 400. Those are a lot tougher than the first ones. All of us have to keep in mind that this is a huge challange and IF we follow the ICS protocols, it will become easier. Sometimes, just remembering how to fill out the paperwork can be daunting but it is all needed.
Gone are the days of just running in to help on your own. We've never done that but a few groups still try and they get turned away.
Our team has placed 8 transport vans, 3 pickups and trailers, one big Freightliner and trailer into this fight to help keep the wildlife safe and sound. We are adding another Freightliner and trailer in a week or so. Around 20 people are now involved on a daily basis. Working with the Fish and Wildlife people has for the most part been very good.

Oil Spill Response

Our presence in the gulf has increased. We now have three pickup truck and trailer combos, one Large transport, and 5 vans on a steady basis with another two vans being utilized two days a week. 14 fine folks are involved also.
Sumter DART has also committed to purchase a brand new Truck and a used trailer plus another brand new trailer to assist in this transport of the affected wildlife.
Next week we'll switch out the two pickup trucks and trailers in Louisiana for our one Freightliner and trailer. We've simply got to be ready to evacuate in the event a storm comes in.