Editor’s Note: Media interested in attending must RSVP at 757-295-8435 by 2 p.m. Wednesday and plan to arrive no later than 9 a.m. Thursday if they plan on observing the search and rescue demonstration from a boat.
What: Media is invited to attend the 19th annual Steven Todd Dooley Search and Rescue Forum to watch a Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration.
Who: Coast Guard Sector Virginia, Port of Virginia Maritime Incident Response Team, and numerous local police and fire departments dedicated to preserving life, property, and public safety in the region.
When: Thursday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to Noon
Where: The Landing at Hampton Marina by Hilton, 700 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton, VA, 23669
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Coast Guard Sector Virginia and the Port of Virginia Maritime Incident Response Team are hosting the 19th Annual Steven Todd Dooley Search and Rescue Forum Monday through Friday in Hampton.
The SAR Forum is an annual event that continues to strengthen regional interagency partnerships, as well as improve the life-saving processes and skills of search and rescue agencies dedicated to preserving life, property, and public safety in the region.
More than 190 first responders and 40 agencies from law enforcement and fire departments across the Commonwealth of Virginia are participating in the weeklong event. Courses and presentations are offered during the event, as well as demonstrations to promote boating safety awareness.
Media members are invited to attend the SAR Forum training event on Thursday at The Landing at Hampton Marina by Hilton in Hampton. Boats are scheduled to accommodate media ride-along requests to watch a Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration performed by a helicopter. Boats are scheduled to leave the marina at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday morning, with the demonstration beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Coast Guard Cmdr. Holly Deal, head of Sector Virginia Response Department, and Mr. Bill Burket, the Maritime Incident Response Team director, will be available for interviews at the conclusion of the demonstration at The Landing at Hampton Marina.
- USCG -