OVERVIEW:
The Critical Incident Response Team provides logistical, resource management, and planning support for large multi-agency responses. Large multi agency expanding incidents often require staging areas, personnel support, base camp operations, and field communications.
The CIRT team consists of 28 personnel from many divisions within the agency, who are sworn law enforcement and civilian specialist positions alike, trained in incident command system procedures. The CIRT team maintains the Emergency Management Fleet, made up of several large command and operations vehicle platforms, tent systems, power generation, portable radio infrastructure and satellite communications, fuel and water tenders, field kitchen and mobile shower facilities.
The team provides support for planned events, multi-agency drills, and no warning incidents. Resources have been deployed by the Sheriff to support communities inside and beyond Florida, thru Florida's Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement (SMAA) and the national Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
Select CIRT members are also cross trained and integrated within the Central Florida All Hazards Incident Management Team, which is also based in Lake County. The CIRT team is overseen by the Emergency Management Lieutenant, and two team leaders (Sergeant).