Great strides have been made since Atwood founded the HALTER Project (Horse & Livestock Team Emergency Response), and the successes were in evidence at a Nov. 15 event at Atwood Ranch to honor the many emergency responders upon whom the county relies to keep both humans and animals safe.
A large crowd packed into the Atwood Barn to enjoy an afternoon of food and drink, learn about the many details that are necessary to provide livestock emergency training and equipment, and listen to inspirational rescue stories The event was a fundraiser for fire departments in Sonoma County, and many firefighters were on hand to share their training efforts and accept donations.
The Atwoods were recognized by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors at a Nov. 10 meeting, commending them for their work in founding and promoting the HALTER program.
Since HALTER began, it has helped educate and provide resources to rural communities about how to deal with large animals, not only during fires, floods, and earthquakes, but also events like on-road and off-road accidents where difficult extrication may be needed.
HALTER has helped set up training programs and scholarships for first responders, veterinarians, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, horse handlers and others. The next Large Animal rescue training is coming up Jan. 16 to 17 at Atwood Ranch. To sign up or for more information, go to www.halterfund.org.
HALTER has paid for training for both Kenwood and Glen Ellen fire personnel.
The HALTER website also provides a wealth of information for ranchers and their families regarding emergency preparedness how to create an emergency plan, developing an emergency kit, a list of important emergency supplies, etc. The site also has a number of links to other organizations involved in emergency preparedness.
HALTER welcomes donations. If you can help, go to www.halterfund.org. Your money will go to preparing your community for when disaster strikes.