Fire Department gives out awards

If disaster strikes Orange County, these folks are some of those you’d want to have around.

Newport Beach Fire Department officials recognized some of 2010’s standout Community Emergency Response Team volunteers and trainers Friday night during their annual awards banquet at the Newport Coast Community Center.

Honored with awards were David Brandmeyer as Newport Beach’s CERT Volunteer of the Year, and Lifeguard Capt. Mike Halphide as the Kevin Pryor Memorial CERT Instructor of the Year.

Residents involved with the Jasmine Creek Homeowners Assn., led by Dale and Suzie Karjala, were recognized as the CERT neighborhood of the year. Volunteer Alan Smith was named the program’s Spirit of the CERT Award honoree.

The CERT program teaches residents how to prepare, react and coordinate during natural and manmade emergencies in your neighborhood.

—Joseph Serna