Portland Community Resilience Champions

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Portland's communities and local government come together through PBEM on a mission to build our cooperative resilience to disasters. The Community Resilience Champions who put in this work are NET volunteers, COAD members, government workers, faith leaders, nonprofit employees, business leaders, and neighbors. We wish to recognize them all. In doing so, we grow a shared history and culture of resilience in Portland aspiring to instill pride, meaning, and connectedness between all who live, work, play, and worship in Portland.

PBEM has different means of recognizing Community Resilience Champions. The purpose of this page is to memorialize the names and accomplishments of those who have received public recognition from PBEM as Community Resilience Champions.

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Volunteer Profile Digital Badges

The Volunteer Impact software (colloquially called "MIP") allows PBEM to attach digital badges to profiles for volunteers after accomplishing specific milestones or training. An image of each badge with the criteria appears in the expandable table below.

 
Title Criteria VSF Date added Frequency
ARO VSF 02
ARO: BEECN For NET volunteers who are ARO qualified and assigned to a fire station for the BEECN program. VSF 02
ARO: Net Controller VSF 02
ARO: Winlink VSF 02
Assistant Team Leader VSF 05
ECC Qualified VSF 05
First Aid VSF 08
Pet Prep VSF 17
Rose Festival N/A
Scenario Village N/A
Shelter Staff VSF 06
Shelter Staff PIC VSF 06
Speakers' Bureau VSF 14
Stop the Bleed VSF 08
Wilderness First Aid VSF 08

PBEM-Issued Challenge Coins

A challenge coin is a coin (usually 1¾" in diameter if issued by PBEM) bearing an organization's insignia. Historically, challenge coins were presented by military unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be (and still are) exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization. For detailed information on the history of challenge coins, please visit Wikipedia's page on challenge coins.[1][2] Though challenge coins originated in military service, they have come into common use by public safety organizations such as emergency management. PBEM uses challenge coins as awards in recognition of public safety traditions; and, because they look neat, are collectible, and are easy to design.

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Challenge Coin Replacement Policy

If a challenge coin is lost or stolen, PBEM will replace it if we still have them in supply. If the lost coin is individually numbered, the replacement coin will have a new number (old numbers cannot be re-struck).

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City of Portland Flag Challenge Coin

 
Proof specs of the City of Portland Flag Challenge Coin.

The City of Portland Flag Challenge Coin was intended as a coin to commemorate special visits to PBEM and recognize the work of City employees in bureaus other than PBEM, but later came into additional use as an award to NET volunteers. The reverse side of the coin is modeled from the official City of Portland flag.

Specifications: Double-sided, 1¾" in diameter, polished silver with color option. Front: City of Portland seal. Reverse: City of Portland flag; specifically, the white four-pointed star (a truncated hypocycloid) from which radiate blue stripes, each bordered by L-shaped yellow elements with a green field in the background. Along the edge on a black border, "PRESENTED WITH APPRECIATION FOR YOUR SERVICE".

Background and Status: Designed by Dave Blitzer, began issuing in August 2014 with one print run of 500. Now out of print, and there are none available for re-issue.

16 NET volunteers received this coin as "Peer Awards"; they were nominated for the award by their fellow teammates. They are:

Name Representing Award Date Citation
Beaston, John Overlook NET 2016.02.27
Bixby, Mitch Overlook NET 2016.02.27
Churchill, Sam Hayden Island NET 2016.02.27
Colvin, Michael Piedmont NET 2017.03.04
Fischer, Robert Collins View NET 2017.03.04
Ginsberg, Mark Woodstock NET 2017.03.04
Hinojosa, Alicia Hazelwood NET 2017.03.04
Morris, John Hillsdale NET 2015.02.26 Presented to John jointly with Lynn Rossing: John and Lynn recently stepped down as co-leaders of Hillsdale NET, after leading that team for eight years. They have consistently promoted NET and emergency preparedness in Hillsdale at community events such as the Hillsdale Springfest. They have also been successful obtaining grants for their team, and building a significant cache of emergency supplies in Hillsdale. Their leadership has created a solid foundation for the Hillsdale Team for years to come.
Newman, Barry Northwest Heights NET 2017.03.04
Read, Maryellen Collins View NET 2016.02.27
Rentz, Ed Laurelhurst NET 2015.02.26 From the recognition event talking points: "Ed has been with the NET program for over 15 years. For nearly all of those years, he has served as the Team Leader for Laurelhurst NET, the longest established team in Portland. Additionally, he serves on the NET Leadership Committee shaping policy for the NET program, and has served on the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management’s budget committee. He has been present at nearly every Final Field Exercise, assisting Portland Fire & Rescue with training new NET volunteers. Ed is a team leader that other team leaders depend on for advice and insight. He is an exemplary model of organization and dedication."
Rok, Pete Powellhurst-Gilbert NET 2015.02.26 From the recognition event talking points: "Pete became certified as a NET volunteer in the Fall 2013 class. But in the short time since then, he has already distinguished himself among his fellow volunteers. He is a familiar face at nearly every training and deployment event we’ve had since he became a member. He has participated in BEECN drills, the Operation Stumptown search and rescue exercise, and was one of five volunteers on the Portland CERT Olympics team. Pete is an all-around NET, with certifications in amateur radio, ATC-20, and First Aid. He also deployed to help at Red Cross warming centers during the storm late last year, despite recovering from a set of broken ribs. Finally, Pete is a rock-solid part of the St. Johns training team, helping put on NET training events in North Portland. NET volunteers who work with him describe Pete as consistently enthusiastic and brings a calming presence to everything he does."
Rossing, Lynn Hillsdale NET 2015.02.26 Presented to Lynn jointly with John Morris: John and Lynn recently stepped down as co-leaders of Hillsdale NET, after leading that team for eight years. They have consistently promoted NET and emergency preparedness in Hillsdale at community events such as the Hillsdale Springfest. They have also been successful obtaining grants for their team, and building a significant cache of emergency supplies in Hillsdale. Their leadership has created a solid foundation for the Hillsdale Team for years to come.
Schilmoeller, Michael Argay-Parkrose NET 2016.02.27
Short, Barbara South Waterfront NET 2017.03.04
Warner, John Pearl District NET 2017.03.04

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PBEM Bureau Challenge Coin

 
Proof specs of the PBEM Bureau Challenge Coin.

PBEM Bureau Coins are the coins most often awarded to NET volunteers in recognition of excellent contributions to the NET program and community resilience. Each of these coins are individually numbered with the recipient's name, commendations, and award citations recorded on this page.

Specifications: Double-sided, 1¾" in diameter, polished silver with color option. Front: PBEM logo, with the coin number stamped just below. Along the edge, "PORTLAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT" and "READINESS·RESPONSE·RECOVERY". Reverse: City of Portland seal.

Background and Status: Designed in 2014 by Dave Blitzer (PBEM Ops Manager). PBEM began issuing these coins around February of 2014 with an initial print run of 300. They are still in print.

A commendation indicates the category of recognition a coin is awarded for, and each coin is awarded for at least one commendation. However, some challenge coin recipients earn recognition more than once. In these cases, instead of issuing another coin, PBEM adds an additional commendation to the coin's number and updates the citation. Below is a table of possible commendations associated with a PBEM Bureau Challenge Coin:

Commendation Criteria
NET Team Leader Awardee served three or more years as a NET Team Leader and/or Assistant Team Leader; and/or, awardee served in a leadership role for less than that period but contributed exceptional leadership (e.g. founded a new team, significantly increased membership, etc.) Available only to current/former NET Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leaders.
Trainer Accolade Awardee has trained no less than 500 or more NET volunteers and/or introduced or innovated a program of training for Portland NET. Available to anyone.
Program Innovation Awardee responsible for the creation of an impactful program, policy/practice, or design that PBEM and NET volunteers have adopted to advance community resilience. Available to anyone.
Operations Excellence Awardee provided exceptional community service during a deployment. Available only to NET volunteers (non-NETs may receive it if they acted as a NET volunteer during a deployment).
Outreach Champion Acknowledging a volunteer's efforts to improve community networks and/or community education; particularly for communities underserved by government. Available to any NET volunteer or person whose work intersects with PBEM's community outreach work.
Radio Award Awardee has served as a Radio Training Liaison (RTL), and/or contributed significant program development to NET's radio policies/practices. Available to anyone.
Service Appreciation In recognition of exceptional service to the NET program and NET volunteers. Available to anyone.
Visit Commemoration Awarded in memorialize a special visit to NET volunteers. Available to non-NETs.
PBEM Staff Awardee is a PBEM staffperson whose position included serving the NET program. Available only to paid PBEM staff.

To view a table of all NET-associated recipients of the PBEM Bureau Challenge Coin, click the link below that says "Expand". Note that each column of the table is sortable. To find a name alphabetically, sort by the name column.

Name Representing
Coin #
Award Date Citation Commendations
Van Keuren, Jeremy PBEM 9 2014.03.01 Awarded by Carmen Merlo, PBEM Director. .Trainer Accolade..PBEM Staff.
Wilson-Angel, Da'Von PBEM 16 2022.05.30 Former NET Coordinator and Lead Trainer (2018 - 2022). Da'Von implemented and routinized a Wilderness First Aid program in NET, instructed hundreds of new NET trainees, and made great strides to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity in NET programming. Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager. .Trainer Accolade..Program Innovation..Outreach Champion..PBEM Staff.
Hall, Laura PBEM (RDPO) 17 2019.12.01 Laura became one of PBEM's go-to volunteers for giving preparedness presentations to neighborhoods. She also helped restart and lead Arbor Lodge NET. She later joined RDPO as the Disaster Messaging Coordinator. .NET Team Leader..Outreach Champion..PBEM Staff.
Jones, Ernie PBEM 18 2014.03.01 Awarded by Carmen Merlo, PBEM Director. .Trainer Accolade..Radio Award..PBEM Staff.
Zuro, Gail Rose City Park NET, Multnomah County 29 2019.05.11 On 03/16/2019, a water main break inundated the neighborhood of NE 24th and Skidmore. NET volunteers were deployed to assist the Water Bureau in controlling the scene. Ernie Jones led the NET deployment. Gail took initiative to help Ernie organize the scene and manage the volunteers. She assisted with check ins and check outs, and was the last volunteer on the scene as Glenn Devitt closed the operation. The NET presence was praised by the Water Bureau and Commissioner JoAnn Hardesty. Without Gail going above and beyond, the response might not have gone so smoothly. Awarded at the NET 25th Anniversary Celebration. .Operations Excellence.
Conte, Carrie NET Radio Training Liaisons 30 2019.05.11 Carrie has worked to improve NET's radio capabilities. For example, she worked on rewrites to Unit 9, served as an RTL, and improved radio infrastructure in SW Portland by "adopting" a radio antenna that others can use. Awarded at the NET 25th Anniversary Celebration. .Trainer Accolade..Radio Award.
Watson, Angela Arbor Lodge NET 31 2019.05.11 Angela Watson led creation and organization of the NET Citywide Deployment Exercise, which is now a routine and important part of NET participation and training. Angela is also a planner and contributor to NETCamp. Finally, Angela founded and leads the Arbor Lodge NET. Awarded at the NET 25th Anniversary Celebration. .NET Team Leader..Trainer Accolade.
Reece, Kelly and John Southwest Hills NET 32 2019.12.16 Excellent service as NET Team Leaders. Both were in the first NET class in 1994. Kelly provided valuable advice and guidance when Jeremy came on board as NET Coordinator in 2012. When Kelly became a TL in 2013, she formed relationships with local churches. John was a pioneering ARO (one of the first) and an important supporter of the BEECN program. .NET Team Leader..Radio Award.
Dubinsky, Sandy Laurelhurst NET 33 2020.02.01 Excellent service as a NET Team Leader. Also helped create and site the Laurelhurst equipment cache. .NET Team Leader.
Love, Eva PBEM 35 2019.12.01 Former PBEM staff assistant for the Community Resilience Team. She was an active and innovative contributor to PBEM policy development concerning volunteer management. .PBEM Staff.
Starhawk Self 36 2020.03.08 Commemorative of her visit to Portland to instruct the first NET Leadership class with curriculum based on her book The Empowerment Manual. .Trainer Accolade..Visit Commemoration.
Johnson, Diane Mmapeu Management Consulting 37 2020.03.08 Commemorative of her visit to Portland to instruct the first NET Leadership class to co-instruct with Starhawk and provide diversity, equity and inclusion curricula to NET Leaders. .Trainer Accolade..Visit Commemoration.
Gard, Amy Concordia/ Vernon/ Woodlawn NET 40 2019.12.11 Excellent service as a NET Team Leader. Commendation added for her excellent contributions in the ECC during the city's COVID-19 response. .NET Team Leader.

.Operations Excellence.

Hasan, Bill Hillsdale NET 45 2019.12.10 Excellent service as a NET Team Leader. .NET Team Leader.
Devitt, Glenn PBEM 47 2019.12.01 Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager. .NET Team Leader..Outreach Champion..PBEM Staff.
Cummings, Tiffany Cascadia Moulage 54 2017.03.04 Appreciation for work as a volunteer moulage artist. .Service Appreciation.
Dalton, Laurie Cascadia Moulage, Friends of Portland Fire & Rescue 55 2017.03.04 Appreciation for work as a volunteer moulage artist and founder of Cascadia Moulage. She has successfully trained many moulage artists. Laurie has also dedicated much of her personal time to running Friends of Portland Fire & Rescue, a non-profit organization that has served as NET's 501(c)3 umbrella organization for many years. Laurie has been very supportive of NET's success as the leader of a community organization. .Program Innovation.
Hall, Laura Arbor Lodge/Kenton NET 56 2017.03.04 Laura created the PortlandPrepares.org website in February 2016 and managed the Portland Prepares Facebook group. These social media outlets provide a place for members to post interesting Portland-wide items and announce preparedness events. While the focus is on general preparedness, the majority of the posts are directly related to NET/CERT activities. These sites are terrific complements to the PBEM website and NET Tumblr. Laura is also recognized for her extensive work with Parents4Preparedness, PCC, a lot of other smart ideas, and her work with RDPO. Nominated by John Beaston, Pete Rok, and Leslie Miller. Awarded at the 2017 NET Recognition Event at Norse Hall. .NET Team Leader.

.Program Innovation..Outreach Champion.

.PBEM Staff.

Jewett, Ethan Woodlawn NET 57 2017.03.04 Ethan served as the leader for the Woodlawn NET for many years. He also received a separate challenge coin for his extensive program service (#111). .NET Team Leader.
Moran, Mary Cascadia Moulage 58 2017.03.04 Appreciation for work as a volunteer moulage artist. .Service Appreciation.
Overbey, Craig Cascadia Moulage 59 2017.03.04 Appreciation for work as a volunteer moulage artist. .Service Appreciation.
Emmons, Molly Portland Public Schools Emergency Management 60 2017.03.04 For enculturating emergency management in PPS administrative offices as well as at PPS schools. Molly started the Disaster Academy at Benson High School (later replicated at other schools), and gave significant support to TeenCERT programming at Ida B. Wells and Leodis V. McDaniel High Schools. .Program Innovation.
Ronning, Susan Arbor Lodge/Kenton NET 61 2017.03.04 With Laura Hall, Susan created the PortlandPrepares.org website in February 2016. and managed the Portland Prepares Facebook group. These social media outlets provide a place for members to post interesting Portland-wide items and announce preparedness events. While the focus is on general preparedness, the majority of the posts are directly related to NET/CERT activities. These sites are terrific complements to the PBEM website and NET Tumblr. Susan is also recognized for her leadership of the Arbor Lodge/Kenton NET. Nominated by John Beaston, Pete Rok, and Leslie Miller. Awarded at the 2017 NET Recognition Event at Norse Hall. .NET Team Leader.

.Program Innovation.

Rook, Jeff University of Portland Campus CERT 62 2017.03.04 As Public Safety Director at the University of Portland, Jeff started and successfully managed the U of P campus CERT program. Jeff was also a regional leader convening the CERT Olympics events. .Program Innovation.
Walker, Sally Cascadia Moulage 64 2017.03.04 Appreciation for work as a volunteer moulage artist. .Service Appreciation.
Jacky, Rachael Portland Emergency Management, FEMA 65 2017.03.04 Rachael Jacky is the original founder of Portland NET. She went on to coordinate CERT at the national level with FEMA. .Program Innovation..PBEM Staff.
Marks, James 67 2017.05.19 Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager. .NET Team Leader.
Nakata, Rie Buckman NET 68 2017.03.04
McGlathery, Kraig Portland Police Bureau Training Division 70 2019.03.25 Presented to Lt. Kraig McGlathery at the Portland Police Bureau Training Division for supporting use of Scenario Village as an exercise site for NET. .Service Appreciation.
Crawford, Harold Northwest Wilderness Medicine Training Center 71 Harold has mentored many NET volunteers through Wilderness First Aid and provided the training before Da'Von stood it up as a regular program offering. Harold also mentored Da'Von through becoming a WFA trainer. .Trainer Accolade..Program Innovation.
Madden, Greg NW Industrial NET, Madden Fabrication 72 2020.09.08 Former owner of Madden Fabrication, in recognition of his firm designing both the first and second series of BEECN caches. Greg also led the NW Industrial NET. .NET Team Leader.

.Program Innovation.

Westerveldt, Amanda Richmond NET and PBEM 74 Amanda is a top contributing NET volunteer. She served as TL for Richmond NET, co-led/coordinated the Portland Mask Project during COVID-19 and started NETCamp, and has responded to multiple deployments. She also won a CERT Volunteer of the Year Award. Amanda began her employment with PBEM in March of 2021. .NET Team Leader..Program Innovation.

.Operations Excellence..PBEM Staff.

Glascock, Bob Laurelhurst NET 75 Excellent service as the NET Team Leader in Laurelhurst. .NET Team Leader.
Wang, Yumei Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries 79 2020.10.19 Yumei is a well-known regional contributor to educating the public about the science around a prospective Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. .Outreach Champion.
Snook, Carl Laurelhurst NET 81 2018.11.26 In appreciation for his many years as a NET volunteer. Awarded posthumously. .Service Appreciation.
Isreal, Jeff and Pam South Burlingame NET 82 2018.04.12 Excellent service as the NET Team Leader in South Burlingame. .NET Team Leader.
Kotan, Larry Parkrose Heights NET, BEECN 84 2020.12.24 Larry worked very hard to design and promote the NET Citywide Deployment Exercise. He also generously supported the BEECN program and ensured maintenance of a cache at Knott Park. .Trainer Accolade..Radio Award.
Nakata, Rie Buckman NET 85 2021.01.13 Honored for her years of work with NET and international emergency response organizations. .Service Appreciation.
Jamieson, Lisa Brentwood-Darlington NET, Friends of NET 86 2021.03.17 General service to the NET program, and particularly leadership during COVID-19 clinic deployments. .Operations Excellence.
Hensel, James Arnold Creek NET 87 2021.03.21 Excellence as a Team Leader in Arnold Creek. James also started the DAMM project. .NET Team Leader.

.Program Innovation.

Phelps, Andy Parkrose Heights NET, NET Radio Training Liaisons 88 2021.04.23 Excellence as a Radio Training Liaison. Awarded by Ernie Jones, BEECN Coordinator. .Trainer Accolade..Radio Award.
Scharle, Margaret Reed College 89 2021.05.20 Mobilizing NET volunteers to connect homebound seniors and persons with disabilities to COVID-19 vaccination appointments. .Program Innovation.
Bixby, Mitch Overlook NET 90 2021.07.14 Years of leadership and service to Overlook NET. .NET Team Leader.
Googins, John Ashcreek NET 97 2021.10.25 Years of service as a NET volunteer. .Service Appreciation.
Schafer, Bruce Maplewood NET 100 2021.11.17 Service as a radio leader and a NET. During the December 2022 winter storm complex, Bruce took charge of supervising transportation dispatchers through the entire event. Bruce completed 13 shifts (approximately 55 hours) to ensure 348 persons needing shelter could get transportation to a warming center. 2023.06.23: Citation for his work on the first NET Fair; Bruce was responsible for getting the webpage together. PBEM is also recognizing his work on the NET Wiki project; he is writing pages and adding modules to make it look great. Trainer Accolade..Operations Excellence..Radio Award.
Winkelman, Kathleen Sacramento CERT 101 2021.04.24 Sacramento CERT Animal Sheltering training Portland NET. .Trainer Accolade..Visit Commemoration.
Ross, Robert Sacramento CERT 102 2021.04.24 Sacramento CERT Animal Sheltering training Portland NET. .Visit Commemoration.
O'Dell, Jody Sacramento CERT 103 2021.04.24 Sacramento CERT Animal Sheltering training Portland NET. .Visit Commemoration.
Smith, Sandra Sacramento CERT 104 2021.04.24 Sacramento CERT Animal Sheltering training Portland NET. .Visit Commemoration.
Cassidy Norton, Kerry PUP NET 107 2022.07.18 Excellence as a Team Leader in Portsmouth NET. .NET Team Leader.
Bissonnette, Jeff St. Johns NET 108 2022.07.18 Leadership and work on CDEs.
Jewett, Ethan Woodlawn NET 111 Ethan has been a strong leader for NET, investing much of his personal time and resources to strengthen community resilience. Not only has Ethan led a team (for which he received coin #57), but he also contributed his skill as a graphic designer to create the NET logo and commence NET's visual language. Ethan was a founder of the Disaster Relief Trials, and the 55th Cascadia Scouts. During the COVID-19 response, Ethan mobilized "strike teams" to complete small but critical tasks to provide underserved communities with sanitizer and other supplies. Ethan was responsible for the design of the COVID-19 Challenge Coin. .Program Innovation.

.Operations Excellence.

Henry, Stuart Neighbor2Neighbor 125 2022.03.12 Managing the Neighbor2Neighbor program and contributions to the COAD. Awarded by Kate Szrom, PBEM COAD Coordinator. .Program Innovation.
Warner, John Pearl District NET 155 2015.02.26 John made several lasting accomplishments to Portland NET. He served as a member of the NET Leadership Committee. John designed a deployment simulator which has informed how NETs design operations plans. John also single-handedly created a toolkit for NETs to prepare residential buildings ("vertical communities" for a major disaster. Finally, John led the Portland team in a CERT Olympics. Awarded by Commissioner Steve Novick at the 2015 NET Recognition Event in Portland City Hall. .NET Team Leader.

.Program Innovation.

Beaston, John Overlook NET 156 2015.02.26 Worked to step up NET's game around radio use and competency. Developed Basic NET Unit 9 with Helen Chauncey. Helped other NETs conduct radio mapping, and took charge of drawing the FRS radio map for Portland. John is also a Red Cross volunteer, and volunteers with Manzanita CERT. Awarded by Carmen Merlo, PBEM Director, at the 2015 NET Recognition Event in Portland City Hall. .Program Innovation..Radio Award.
Chauncey, Helen Southwest Hills NET 157 2015.02.26 With John Beaston, Helen developed a Basic NET training unit to instruct NET trainees on radio use (Unit 9). Helen has also done significant and lasting work to promote amateur radio in NET, and was one of the first Radio Training Liaisons (though the title was not coined yet). Helen helped PBEM develop the BEECN program, and built bridges between Multnomah ARES and PBEM. Was also the person who suggested to Jeremy posting online recognition for NETs. Awarded by David Blitzer, PBEM Operations Manager, at the 2015 NET Recognition Event in Portland City Hall. .Program Innovation..Radio Award.
Schilmoeller, Michael Argay-Parkrose NET, NET Radio Training Liaisons 158 2015.02.26 Michael has made many significant contributions to furthering NET's radio programs. First, he developed the Radio Training Liaison standards (and was one of the first RTLs). Michael also came up with and implemented the Portland NET amateur radio net for new AROs; the "NET net" has had many "this is my first time on the air" comments. In his years with NET, he has trained many AROs in different radio positions and several of his trainees have gone on to serve with ARES. Nominated for award by John Beaston, presented at the 2015 NET Recognition Event in Portland City Hall. .NET Team Leader..Trainer Accolade.

.Program Innovation..Radio Award.

Enomoto, Julie Sellwood NET 163 2015.09.30 For a generous donation to NET through the Friends of Portland Fire & Rescue.
Shipman, Virginia 164 2015.09.30 For a generous donation to NET through the Friends of Portland Fire & Rescue.
Dulley, Gwen Pearl District NET 165 2015.10.23 Gwen has been an ardent supporter of NET since becoming a volunteer, and took the reins of the Pearl District NET after the departure of their prior Team Leader. .NET Team Leader.
Parman, Bryan Portland Police Bureau Training Division 168 2016.02.27 As the first Portland Police Captain in charge of the PPB Training Complex, Capt. Parman allowed NET volunteers to begin using Scenario Village for comprehensive response exercises. .Program Innovation.
Janssens, Erin Portland Fire & Rescue 170 2016.02.27 Chief Erin Janssens; support of the NET program.
Christensen, Shon Portland Fire & Rescue 173 2016.02.27 Lt. Shon Christensen has been a long-time NET trainer and often logs more trainer hours than any other NET trainer. He most often instructs fire suppression, HAZMAT, knots, and search & rescue. Shon wrote the NET guide for knots. .Trainer Accolade.

.Program Innovation.

Rodriguez, Marcel Arnold Creek NET 174 2016.02.27 Marcel has been a long time team leader in Arnold Creek. He is a search and rescue specialist and frequently trains NET volunteers on medical response skills. Marcel also developed the NET Individual Treatment Record form. Marcel formerly received recognition for his many contributions at the 2010 Public Safety Recognition Event. .NET Team Leader..Trainer Accolade.

.Program Innovation.

Busch, Alice Multnomah County Emergency Management 175 2016.02.27 Alice, an employee of Multnomah County, is one of NET's top trainers (particularly for mental health response). Alice generally trains NETs in her own free time. .Trainer Accolade.
Saby, Heather Portland Printing & Distribution 176 2018.06.24 In appreciation for her work with NET in Portland's Printing and Distribution Office. .Service Appreciation.
Willet, Tammy Portland Fire & Rescue Training Division 177 2018.06.24 In appreciation for her work with NET at in PF&R's Training Campus. .Service Appreciation.
Legler, John Creston-Kenilworth NET 178 2018.06.24 Citation for his work on the first NET Fair; John coordinated the classes, registration, and much more. .NET Team Leader..Trainer Accolade.
Vinograd, Patrick Hosford-Abernethy NET 179 2018.05.08 Excellence as a Team Leader for Hosford-Abernethy NET. .NET Team Leader.
Dilfer, Carol Woodstock NET 186 2018.06.24 BEECN #40
Jones, Dana NET Radio Training Liaisons 187 2018.06.24 Excellence as a Radio Training Liaison. .Radio Award.
Jelinek, Lenka Arlington Heights NET 188 2018.06.24 Founded the Arlington Heights NET and raised it up quickly. Lenka was recognized as "New NET Leader" of the year. .NET Team Leader.
Reese, Kathy Parkrose NET, Friends of Portland NET 189 2018.06.24 CDE, Friends of NET .NET Team Leader..Trainer Accolade.
Yan, Courtney Taborvilla NET, Washington County Emergency Management 200 2020.09.25 Excellent service in the COVID-19 ECC. Courtney also led Taborvilla NET and the Medical Cadre, and is a top trainer for medical response areas. Courtney was also lauded during the January 2023 winter response when, as a volunteer, she took on a last-minute graveyard shift from PBEM ground support dispatch so that PBEM staff could catch some sleep. Awarded by Katy Wolf, PBEM Operations Manager. .NET Team Leader..Trainer Accolade..Operations Excellence..PBEM Staff.
Shanders, Kevin Portland Fire & Rescue 278 2020.04.29 Excellent service in the COVID-19 ECC. Awarded by Dan Douthit, PBEM Public Information Officer. .Trainer Accolade.
Lapp, Nancy Brentwood Darlington NET 301 2022.09.17 From 2012 to September 2022, Nancy logged about 1,300 volunteer hours. Nancy has been part of many deployments, has helped train other NET volunteers, and has helped PBEM staff with important administrative tasks such as running NET Camp. and tabling at outreach events all over Portland. Nancy is also researching tabletop games to simulate deployments, and has a background knowledge of emergency management that has served her community.

Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager at the 2022 NET Recognition Event at NETCamp.

.Operations Excellence..Outreach Champion.
Gonzalez-Cress, Maria Lents NET 302 2022.09.17 Between April 2021 and August this year, Maria volunteered for 45 deployments. The majority of those deployments were at COVID-19 vaccination clinics during 2021, doing everything from flagging traffic to assisting the medical staff. Maria also helped out during the nasty bouts of weather we had, volunteering at cooling centers and Logistics at the Joint Office of Homeless services.

Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager at the 2022 NET Recognition Event at NETCamp.

.Operations Excellence.
Fine, Kate Taborvilla NET 303 2022.09.17 In addition to volunteering as a NET, Kate is an ARO and volunteers for BEECN. From 2017 to 2022, Kate volunteered 525 hours. From January 2021 to August 2022, she volunteered for 29 shifts. She helped out at misting stations and vaccine clinics. Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager at the 2022 NET Recognition Event at NETCamp. .Operations Excellence.
Frisch, Tom Tom11 Films 304 2022.09.17 Tom, an independent filmmaker (Tom11 Films), was the first film professional who worked consistently with PBEM to create video-based training curriculum and develop a visual language for NET training videos. Importantly, Tom applied levity to topics otherwise dry and boring. Tom also made the process accessible, doing everything from script development to final editing.

Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager at the 2022 NET Recognition Event at NETCamp.

.Program Innovation.
Neal, Spencer Overlook NET 305 2022.09.17 With the COVID response and climate change emergencies, 2021-2022 was a busy period for NET deployments. Spencer signed up for 26 deployments in that time; more than nearly any other volunteer. Spencer is also a frequent "extra" in NET training videos.

Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager at the 2022 NET Recognition Event at NETCamp.

.Operations Excellence.
Weisgram, Jim NET Radio Training Liaisons 306 2022.09.17 Jim took multiple shifts at the Expo Center in response to COVID, and has served as an RTL. With Bruce Schafer, Jim was also key to the NET ICS Forms redesign project.

Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager at the 2022 NET Recognition Event at NETCamp.

.Program Innovation.

.Operations Excellence..Radio Award.

Hovde, Janel 307 2022.09.17 Janel volunteered tirelessly during heatwaves as a transportation dispatcher. Particularly, she was indispensable to PBEM's Ground Support Team and helping 211info dispatchers. She also filled in for PBEM staff as a lead dispatcher. Janel's professionalism, dedication, can-do attitude, and grace distinguished her to all the emergency management professionals she worked with.

Awarded by Jeremy Van Keuren, PBEM Community Resilience Manager at the 2022 NET Recognition Event at NETCamp.

.Operations Excellence.
Stewart, Kathryn 308 2015.02.26 From Carmen Merlo's talking points at the recognition event: "Outreach to our communities is some of the most important work that NETs do. It’s through outreach that we promote this program to get new members, and it’s through outreach that we prepare our communities for a major disaster. Kathryn has been indispensable for our outreach efforts. Every event takes a great deal of planning. Kathryn has been extremely generous with her time, having given at least 31 hours of volunteer time in outreach alone (and probably more). More importantly, I know I can rely on Kathryn to do an excellent job promoting NET and talking with people about emergency preparedness. I can give her a box of materials and she knows exactly what to do." .Outreach Champion.
Gordon, Anna Verde 309 2022.10.24 In appreciation for her work to stand up, produce, and help manage the first Spanish NET program in partnership with Verde. .Outreach Champion.
Ginsberg, Mark Woodstock NET 310 Excellence as a Team Leader in Woodstock NET. .NET Team Leader.
Spoon, Jeremy Portland State University, Emergency Management and Community Resilience Program 312 2022.12.10 Jeremy Spoon, Ph.D. was instrumental in establishing PSU's Emergency Management and Community Resilience Program and opening more collaboration between PSU and PBEM. Dr. Spoon led the capstone program that also helped PBEM begin a program of engagement with Rosewood Initiative's Nepali community. .Program Innovation.
Hiser, Nancy Linnton NET 314 2023.09.15 Nancy Hiser is recognized for her outstanding service as the NET Team Leader for Linnton from September 2017 to September 2023. Throughout her tenure, Nancy demonstrated dedication and persistent advocacy for disaster resilience, significantly enhancing the community's preparedness. A few of the original projects Nancy led for Linnton include a disaster equipment cache program for every hill in Linnton; a series of preparedness videos exclusively for Linnton residents; and linking her work in NET to Portland Clean Air, a political committee working to address industrial pollution in Multnomah and Washington Counties. .NET Team Leader..Program Innovation.
Winkelman, Kathleen Sacramento CERT Pet Sheltering Crew 356 2023.06.17 Sacramento CERT Animal Sheltering training Portland NET. .Visit Commemoration.
Ross, Robert Sacramento CERT Pet Sheltering Crew 357 2023.06.17 Sacramento CERT Animal Sheltering training Portland NET. .Visit Commemoration.
Mata, Steve Sacramento CERT Pet Sheltering Crew 358 2023.06.17 Sacramento CERT Animal Sheltering training Portland NET. .Visit Commemoration.
capestany, annie Reed NET 354 2023.06.24 annie worked on the first NET Fair and personally translated all the materials into Spanish so that the Verde team could participate. .Outreach Champion.
Meininger, Mark Sabin NET 355 2023.06.24 Mark is a Team Lead erfor Sabin NET. "He is also receiving an Operations Excellence commendation for multiple deployments to homeless warming and cooling shelters as a PIC. Finally, I am adding a Program Innovation commendation for his work on a block party kit, and his status as a founding member of Friends of Portland NET." .NET Team Leader..Program Innovation.

.Operations Excellence.

Hubbard, Kate 353 2023.06.24 Kate installed the Mental Health First Aid certification program as a regular training curricula for Portland NET, and (at the time of the recognition) has trained over a dozen classes. .Trainer Accolade..Program Innovation.
Myers, Edmund 352 2023.06.24 Ed is a lead Wilderness First Aid instructor and has trained scores of NET volunteers to be more proficient disaster medical responders. Ed also very graciously stepped in to take over instruction at 2023 NET Camp when a fellow instructor had to call in sick. .Trainer Accolade.
Lewis, Jonny Portland Public Schools 315 2024.06.01 Jonny is the Emergency Management Program Manager for Portland Public Schools. .Service Appreciation.
Olson, Aaron Portland Public Schools, Ida B. Wells HS 316 2024.06.01 .Service Appreciation.
Gill, Darshanpreet Portland Public Schools, Leodis V. McDaniel HS 317 2024.06.01 .Service Appreciation.
Weiner, Herb 318 2024.06.01 .Trainer Accolade..Radio Award.
Hansen, David 319 2024.06.01 .Radio Award.
Brady, Brian Patrick ADCOMM Engineering 320 2024.06.01 .Service Appreciation..Program Innovation.
Lucchin, Franco City of Portland, City Attorney's Office 2024.06.01 .Service Appreciation.
Vent, Nick 2024.06.01 .Trainer Accolade.
Wiedenhoft, Larry 2024.06.01 .Trainer Accolade.
Zanetti, Tony City of Portland, Portland Parks & Recreation 2024.06.01 .Service Appreciation.
Newell, Hugh Self; professional illustrator 2024.06.01 PBEM and NET has worked with Hugh since 2018. PBEM is recognizing Hugh for his pivotal role developing a visual language for the NET program and PBEM community outreach programs. His creativity and artistic talent have brought clarity and engagement to our work, making safety information accessible and memorable. Hugh's illustrations have appeared in many PBEM publications, most notably in the PocketPrep. He has also produced diagrams and translated complex concepts into visual narratives that diverse audiences can use and understand. .Service Appreciation.
 
Proof specs of the NET Task Book Challenge Coin.

NET Task Book Coin

TBA

NET 25th Anniversary Commemorative Coin

 
Proof specs of the NET 25th Anniversary Party Challenge Coin.
 
Proof specs of the COVID-19 Response Challenge Coin, designed by Ethan Jewett and Jeremy Van Keuren.

These coins were distributed to NETs attending the NET 25th Anniversary Party on May 11, 2019 and also mailed to NETs active at the time who couldn't make it.

Specifications: Double-sided, 1¾" in diameter, polished gold with color option. Front: NET logo, with "25 YEARS" stamped just below. Along the edge of both sides, "PORTLAND NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY TEAMS 1994 - 2019". Reverse: PF&R and PBEM logos over the City of Portland flag.

COVID-19 Response Challenge Coin

The COVID-19 Response coin was struck to commemorate the COVID-19 response for City of Portland employees and response partners (including NET volunteers). PBEM intended that anyone who responded with PBEM to COVID-19 should receive one if they wanted one. The front face design features an N95 mask. The Latin inscription, Separamur ut una maneamus, means "We separate to stay together".

Specifications: Double-sided, 1¾" in diameter, polished silver with color option. Front: colors representing the different ECC sections, behind an N95 mask in white, behind a coronavirus in black. A black outer edge that reads "2020 CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE" on the top and "SEPARAMUR UT UNA MANEAMUS" along the bottom; a silver coronavirus intervenes at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Reverse: the logos of the City of Portland (top apex), Portland ECC (bottom left) and PBEM (bottom right) against a black field. In a silver outer edge the words "CITY OF PORTLAND, OREGON' and "READINESS·RESPONSE·RECOVERY"

Background and status: Front was designed by Ethan Jewett, reverse was designed by Jeremy Van Keuren. Katy Wolf suggested the Latin phrase. There were two print runs. They are now out of print, but PBEM still has a small supply available for issue.

...

NET Award Plaques

 
Ed Rentz receiving a plaque for his long-time leadership with Laurelhurst NET. Photo by Ernest Jones.

In prior years, trophy plaques were awarded to Team Leaders on the request of their team for exceptional service, usually when retiring as a Team Lead. This award has been discontinued for budget equity reasons. PBEM has the following plaques in the record:

Name Team Award Date Citation
Dill-Simpson, Terri Laurelhurst NET 2016.11.16 Presented In Deep Appreciation To Terri Dill-Simpson

In recognition of your 20 years of hard work and dedication to the Portland NET program, the neighbors of Laurelhurst and the members of the Laurelhurst NET. Your tireless contributions as an Assistant Team Leader and author of the team's Operations Plan have helped make the team what it is today.

November 16, 2016

McCawley, Douglass "Mac” Laurelhurst NET 2017.03.15 Presented In Deep Appreciation To Douglass “Mac” McCawley

In recognition of your 16 years of hard work and dedication to the Portland NET program, the neighbors of Laurelhurst and the members of the Laurelhurst NET. Your tireless contributions as an Assistant Team Leader have helped make the team what it is today.

March 15, 2017

Masterson, Judy St. Johns NET 2014.01.16 Original text is missing, but it was for keeping the St. Johns team active and vibrant.
Merlo, Carmen PBEM 2018.06.24 Presented in Appreciation To Carmen Merlo

In recognition of your decade of service and dedication to the Portland Neighborhood Emergency Team program. Your leadership, commitment, and advocacy as the Director of the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management set a new foundation for the NET program that volunteers will recognize in the decades to come.

June 24, 2018

Picard, Laurent PF&R 2018.06.24 Presented in Appreciation To Laurent Picard

In recognition of your years of service as the Portland Fire & Rescue Neighborhood Emergency Team Training Coordinator. Your compassion and insight has guided the NET program, the NET volunteers, and the NET Trainers to higher possibilities for community resilience.

June 24, 2018

Rentz, Ed Laurelhurst NET 2015.12.16 Presented In Deep Appreciation To Ed Rentz

In recognition of your 15 years of hard work and dedication to the Portland NET program, the neighbors of Laurelhurst and the members of the Laurelhurst NET. Your tireless leadership and commitment as Team Leader set the example for those who follow you and made the team what it is today.

December 16, 2015

Silva, Matthew PF&R 2014.01.16 Original text is missing, but it was in recognition of helping to maintain the NET program and excellence as a NET trainer.

...

Other Awards and Commendations

Edmund Myers, MD: Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award

 
Ed Myers, MD and an image of the Bronze Presidential Medallion.

Ed Myers (not only a NET but a well-known NET trainer) received a 2023 Bronze Volunteer Service Award for contributing the most hours in Oregon's State Managed Volunteer Pool (SMVP), with 160 hours under his belt. Though this was not awarded through his time with Portland NET, SMVP is a related program under SERV-OR, and we'd like to recognize Ed's achievement here as well. The citation on his certificate reads:

In recognition of your outstanding contribution of 160 volunteer hours during 2023 & 2024 as a member of SERV-OR's State Managed Volunteer Pool. For your professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the health and safety of your community and our nation, thank you. You answered the call to serve and you made a difference.

...

Amanda Westervelt: 2021 National CERT Volunteer of the Year

 
Amanda Westervelt and her 2021 National CERT of the Year Award.

At the July CERT 2021 National Conference ‘Vision for the Future’ in Springfield, Missouri, one of Richmond NET’s own was named the National CERT Volunteer of the Year from a pool of nominees from across the country. True to the spirit of the award, she gave us her best Rosie the Riveter pose.

Amanda will be the first person to point out that all of these efforts require a team, and that this award reflects the combined work of the NETs and other volunteers with whom she has collaborated.

Starting in April 2020, Amanda led work of the Portland Mask Project (PMP). While responding to COVID-19, the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) recognized a significant need for supplies of durable face coverings for historically underserved communities. Under Amanda’s volunteer leadership, PMP mobilized 62 volunteers to cut, sew, and package 11,731 cloth face coverings over the course of 6,648 volunteer hours (and counting). Amanda and the volunteers worked together to design the mask, sewing them for both adults and children. Amanda worked in concert with Portland ECC Logistics to distribute the masks through 19 community-based organizations serving communities of color, immigrants, elders, and persons with disabilities.

While leading the mask project, Amanda also partnered with Meals on Wheels and NET to connect homebound elders and persons with disabilities to COVID-19 vaccine appointments and arranging transportation to and from appointments as needed. Facing intensely complicated logistics, Amanda took charge of 58 NET volunteers and organized five partner service providers to get vaccinations for 249 homebound persons.

Finally, in August 2019, Amanda drew on her experience as a Girl Scouts troop leader to organize the first ever NETcamp. 102 CERT volunteers attended this three-day event of training (with 23 presentations) and community in the Oregon wilderness. Amanda arranged all the logistics to produce an event we’re excited to make an annual event after the COVID pandemic resolves.

Amanda’s initiative, hard work, and imagination serve as an example to CERT volunteers everywhere, embodying the spirit of what volunteers can do to save lives and create communities. The programs Amanda has led will also provide blueprints for how Portland trains and deploys volunteers; and, how Portland Emergency Management can best serve the most vulnerable persons in our city.

Watch the KATU Everyday Heroes segment featuring Amanda.

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December 2014 Wind Storm: Fire Chief's Certificate

 
Scan of the Fire Chief's Certificate awarded for NET response during the December 11, 2014 windstorm.

The Pacific Northwest was subjected to a serious wind storm on December 11, 2014. Portland International Airport reported a peak gust of 67 mph.[3] One fatality and serious injury occurred in Portland Metro due to a tree falling on a car.[4] Debris, fallen trees and downed wires blocked roads.[5] Siding torn from the Pacwest Center office tower crashed through some windows on the Standard Building, resulting in more street closures. Heavy winds forced the closure of the tram service, and Max light rail trains experienced delays due to power outages. Near the Lloyd Center, large pieces of material were blown off of a building under construction and tumbled down the street, smashing windows and causing terror among those caught in the spectacle. Widespread downed trees caused numerous outages, especially in the northern Willamette Valley[6], with Portland General Electric reporting nearly 83,000 customers, or 9.8% of the customer base, out at peak. As stoplights darkened, traffic became snarled in places.[7]

NET volunteers deployed to relieve PF&R's strained capacity. The volunteers who deployed were: John Beaston, Con Bricca, Terri Dil-Simpson, Tommi Dubuque Johnstone, Martha Gross, Susan Hayden, Trevor Lisenbee, Ed Rentz, Michael Schilmoeller, Amy Stephens, John Steup, Kathryn Stewart, Paul Watons, and Lee Younglove. In recognition for their volunteering during a very challenging event, PF&R Chief Erin Janssens awarded them the "Fire Chief's Certificate" on July 23, 2015. A PDF is downloadable HERE.

...

Clarence Harper: 2008 Spirit of Portland Award

 
Commissioner Randy Leonard awarding Clarence Harper with a 2008 Spirit of Portland Award (top).

Woodlawn NET volunteer Clarence Harper was awarded a Spirit of Portland Award "for service to Portland as an emergency preparedness educator" and 13 years in the Portland NET program.[8]

...

NET Recognition Events

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Event Date Location File Special Guests
2023 NET Fair Recognition Event 2023.06.23 NET Fair @ PF&R Training, 4800 NE 122nd Ave. Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, PBEM Director Shad Ahmed
2019 NET 25 Year Anniversary Party 2019.05.11 Mayor Ted Wheeler, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, NET founder Rachael Jacky
2018 NET Recognition Event 2018.06.24 Village Ballroom, 704 NE Dekum St. 📁 PF&R Chief Mike Myers, PBEM Director Courtney Patterson, former PBEM Director Carmen Merlo
2017 NET Recognition Event 2017.03.04 Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave. PF&R Assistant Chief Don Russ
2016 NET Recognition Event 2016.02.27 Norse Hall, 111 NE 11th Ave. PF&R Chief Erin Janssens
2015 NET Recognition Event 2015.02.26 Portland City Hall Atrium, 1221 SW 4th Ave. Commissioner Steve Novick, PBEM Director Carmen Merlo, NET founder Rachael Jacky
2014 NET Recognition Event 2014.01.16 St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church, Carvlin Hall, 1636 SE Hickory St PF&R Lt. Matt Silva
2013 NET Recognition Event 2013.09.28 Colonel Summers Park, SE 17th Ave. and SE Taylor St. 📁
2010 Crime Prevention and Emergency Management Community Safety Recognition Event 2010.05.13 Hosford Middle School, 2303 SE 28th Pl. 📁

Notes and References

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin
  2. On the history of challenge coins, see also: https://customchallengecoins.net/history-of-the-challenge-coin/
  3. Oregonian/OregonLive, S. T. |. (2014, December 12). Windstorm followed similar path of other destructive Northwest storms (by the numbers). Oregonlive. https://www.oregonlive.com/weather/2014/12/december_windstorm_storm_total.html
  4. Zarkhin, F., 2014: 11-year-old Lake Oswego boy dies after tree falls on car during storm; mother expected to survive. The Oregonian/Oregon Live, December 13, 2014, 2 pp.
  5. Fernandez, R., 2014: Thursday evening Portland-area commute: Powerful wind storm causing power outages, downed trees. The Oregonian/Oregon Live, December 11, 2014, 4 pp.
  6. NCDC, 2014: Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena, December 2014. National Climatic Data Center, 56, 157 pp.
  7. Woolington, R., 2014: As winds ripped through Washington County, emergency dispatchers took 907 calls in 4 hours. The Oregonian/Oregon Live, 2 pp.
  8. Volunteer Spotlight: Clarence Harper | Fire Blog | The City of Portland, Oregon. (2010, July 9). https://www.portlandoregon.gov/fire/article/308378