Sixty-seven emergency services qualifications resulted from the Florida Wing’s Ground Search and Rescue Academy, which provided a week of hands-on instruction to 34 cadets and nine adult members.
The academy offered both a Basic Course and an Advanced Course, tailored to cadets of varying experience levels. The training is structured to meet Search and Rescue Technician II standards, providing cadets with the tools they need to earn mission-ready certifications and operate effectively in real-world search-and-rescue environments.
The Basic Course focused on core skills like map orientation, shelter building, airfield search, ground-to-air signaling, and working with K9 teams. The Advanced Course expanded on these skills with complex leadership tasks, advanced ground team operations, and simulated mission scenarios.
Cadets faced extreme weather throughout the week, as training took place under classic Central Florida summer conditions. One of the most memorable moments came during the final graduation exercise, when cadets completed a full-day field mission while battling the heat and humidity.
“We were blown away by their ability to cope with the weather and push through,” said Lt. Col. Danielle DeAngelo, activity director as well as Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron commander and Group 3 emergency services Officer. “They learned and demonstrated skills that most cadets will never accomplish.”
“This event was incredibly memorable because of the people. We had a mix of returning veterans and first-time attendees, including members we’ve never seen involved in emergency services before. Everyone brought something different to the table, and the teamwork and energy were exceptional,” DeAngelo said.
Participants earned the following certifications:
22 Urban Direction Finding
22 Ground Team Member 3
10 Ground team Member 2
10 Ground Team Member 1
Three Ground Team Leader
_____ 1st Lt. Treicy SotoPublic Affairs OfficerPines-Miramar Composite SquadronFlorida Wing
