Rehab 17: Emergency Response Truck for Gulfport CERT

About three weeks ago, the Gulfport Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) received a 2001 Freightliner wheel coach box truck. 

During Tuesday night's regular city council meeting, the council approved a resolution to accept a surplus vehicle from the St. Petersburg Fire Department. The truck was donated to Gulfport CERT at no cost.

Bob Worthington with Gulfport CERT says the truck has about 100,000 miles on it and needs about $2,000 worth of repair work. Once it's repaired, Worthington said it will allow CERT members to help with emergency response. Members would use the "rehab" unit to store supplies, check patients' vital signs and provide water and food during major emergency events such as hurricane response and law enforcement standoff situations. It could also be used to transport victims in an emergency.

CERT is supporting the program, and any money spent on the truck will come out of CERT's budget. The truck will be stored at the . Worthington says cash donations are greatly appreciated for this project.