BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Eight Florida Department of Corrections correctional emergency response teams (CERT) participated in a statewide competition on Nov. 17, hosted by Lake Butler’s Reception and Medical Center, with Sumter Correctional Institution taking first place ahead of Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in second place and Florida State Prison in third place.
As part of his opening remarks, John Palmer, the director of Region 2 (which includes FSP, RMC, Lawtey Correctional, New River Correctional, Union Correctional and 12 other institutions), said it was an exciting day that served to help fulfill the Secretary of Corrections Ricky Dixon’s goal of creating a family environment. CERT members, other department personnel and, for the first time ever, family members all turned out on what was a chilly morning.
“We’re expecting over 300 people in attendance,” Palmer said. “Today is a good day. Anytime we can be outside the chain-link fence together like this, enjoying each other’s company, is a great day, isn’t it?”
In speaking with the Telegraph-Times-Monitor, Palmer said the day was also exciting because it had been a while since such an event had been held.
“It’s the first time we’ve had one in a few years because of COVID-19,” Palmer said.
CERT members demonstrated their proficiency in a variety of tactical skills. Some of the events they participated in showed off their marksmanship, while an obstacle course put them through a number of strenuous activities.
“To see them go through those activities with precision, while their bodies are under physical and mental stress — it’s something to see,” Palmer said.
Palmer noted in his opening remarks that CERT members are “heroes” who “stand in the gap each and every day on behalf of our wardens and our regional directors and our institutions.”
“Everything that we need, they rise to the call of duty,” Palmer said.
Palmer told the Telegraph-Times-Monitor that the competition was a great way to strengthen the concept of team and build morale among CERT members. He added that with so many from the Florida Department of Corrections on site, as well as family members, the event helped people network and build relationships.
“That’s really what it’s all about,” Palmer said.
As part of the opening ceremony, “Taps” was performed on trumpet by Tomoka Correctional Institution Warden Jared Cox, who is from this area and worked previously at Union Correctional, and Inspector R. Clayton in memory of Sgt. Jorge Ramos. Ramos, who worked at Miami-Dade County’s South Florida Reception Center, passed away after falling ill during a CERT competition in 2016.
Palmer said he hoped that the day’s performances would be inspired by Ramos’ memory, legacy and his commitment to the mission of correctional emergency response teams.
