San Marcos Fire Department to partner with Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego
The City of San Marcos and the Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) announced on Wednesday, Sept. 27 a new partnership between TIP and the San Marcos Fire Department (SMFD). SMFD joins the 30+ neighboring agencies affiliated with the TIP program allowing them to request trauma volunteers to help San Marcos residents when a tragedy occurs.
“We are excited about this new partnership with the Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego County,” said Fire Captain Leighton Ewens. “The new partnership will enhance our existing capabilities to provide 24/7 response to residents in their time of greatest need.”
TIP is a nonprofit organization that has served San Diego County for 32 years; training citizen volunteers to respond and assist residents after tragedy strikes. Volunteers respond on a 24/7 basis to emergency scenes at the request of first responders. TIP volunteers provide immediate emotional and practical support which emergency responders may not have time to provide, adding another dimension to the emergency response system: compassionate support.
“The 24/7 coverage and impressive 23-minute average response time to emergency scenes will give our first responders a valuable tool in the toolbox when faced with challenging incidents,” said Ewens.
TIP Executive Director Sher DeWeese is delighted with the new partnership.
“TIP San Diego looks forward to working in conjunction with the San Marcos Fire Department to provide such assistance to its citizens in order to ease their immediate suffering and help facilitate their healing and long-term recovery.”
With the next TIP Training Academy beginning Wednesday, Oct. 4, the program is continuing to seek skilled compassionate individuals looking to give back to their community.
For more information on becoming a volunteer or supporter, visit www.TIPSanDiego.org or call 855.TIPSD.HELP. To learn more about the San Marcos Fire Department, visit www.san-marcos.net/smfd or call (760) 744-1050, ext. 3410.
