Q&A
Tim Nye, 21, of Centennial is a member of Arapahoe County’s Community Emergency Response Team, an organization of trained volunteers who assist first responders during crises. A graduate of Littleton High School, Nye also is a member of the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley Air Force Base.
Q: How did you get involved with this kind of volunteer work?
A: I did an internship with the Sheriff’s Office in high school and really enjoyed working with the deputies of Arapahoe County. I took advantage of every chance to work with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, especially the Community Resource Unit.
Q: Why do you enjoy disaster response as a choice for public service?
A: I love helping people and making a difference in someone’s life. This training could ultimately save many lives if a disaster arises and professionals cannot arrive for some time.
Q: What career skills do you think you take away from the CERT program?
A: CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training, search-and-rescue tactics, medical operations training, psychology of a disaster, fire safety and how to put out a fire.
Q: What kind of training and mental attitude does it take to get into something so likely to be stressful and demanding?
A: (It) takes a dedicated individual who does not mind blood and trauma of a disaster. We train for the worst of the worst, and the goal of CERT is the “greatest good for the greatest number of people in the shortest time.” If we can save as many people as possible without further injury, then we have accomplished our mission.
– Joey Bunch, Denver Post staff writer
REGIONAL NOTES
AURORA
Pumpkins take to skies Saturday
Pumpkin launchers and those who like to see pumpkins flying through the morning sky will be on hand Saturday at an annual pumpkin chuckin’ event.
Dozens of participants are expected to bring their catapults and other devices to see who can lob a pumpkin the farthest.
This year’s festivities begin at 9 a.m. at the DeLaney Farm, 170 S. Chambers Road. The launch runs until 1 p.m., and is part of PumpkinFest, a family festival that runs until 4 p.m.
The festival also includes a hay bale maze, cider press, scarecrow making, hay rides, face painting, pumpkin patch and more. The event benefits Denver Urban Gardens, which grows and provides organic food to families in need.
PARKER
Wildlife Experience has scary fun
Each Saturday through Oct, 28, The Wildlife Experience will host “Saturday Screamers,” a day of family Halloween fun, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The festivities include crafts, scary movies, face painting, spooky stories and other ghastly activities.
The events culminate with Trick or Treat OFF the Street on Oct. 31.
Saturday Screamers is included with the price of admission: $7.95 for adults, $6.95 for those older than 65 and $4.95 for children from 2 to 12. Children younger than 2 get in free.
The Wildlife Experience is located at 10035 S. Peoria in Parker.
For more information, call 720-488-3300 or visit the website, www.thewildlifeexperience.org.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
