Charlotte County first responders gear up for a long weekend

As first responders are gearing up for a long weekend, we spent some time with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office to see how they plan to keep you safe.

From the governor on down, we’re all being told to be prepared for Category 4 Hurricane Dorian, but are you prepared to live and work out of your car? Charlotte County deputies are.

Gassed up and ready to go. The sheriff’s office says they’re ready to hit the road.

“Absolutely,” says Lt. Christopher Williams with the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office.
“Their cars are full, like up to 72 hours of equipment, hydration, nutrition. So they are more than likely preparing their vehicles for that because that becomes our office that becomes their mobile office.”

And that may mean even sleeping in their car. Something they did when they went to the Florida Panhandle to help out after Hurricane Michael.

“When we leave our families we are prepared and ready to serve our community,” Williams said.

Being ready also means making sure equipment is out of harm’s way by moving boats, loading up water, and making sure communications with fire and EMS, is working.

It’s a test now, but it could all change depending on Dorian’s track.

Willimas says Charlotte County is self-sufficient and operational, adding, “we’re ready to address any issues that may arise during Hurricane Dorian.”

Deputies are also spending time, right now, making sure their families are safe and their homes are secure.

To be effective on the road, they need the peace of mind knowing their families are safe, and that is Sheriff Prummell’s message to his team.