Local woman seeks to spark interest in teens to volunteer
Libby teens and members from several south Lincoln County agencies shared a moment at a Dec. 15 event organized by Loni Harmon designed to generate interest in volunteering. (Photo courtesy Jerica O'Neil)
Army National Guard Sgt. Charles Berget emphasizes the importance of physical fitness to an area teen on Dec. 15. (Photo courtesy Jerica O'Neil)
Cody Sentell and Kasey Kim of the Libby Volunteer Ambulance Service taught area teens about their work in the community on Dec. 15. (Photo courtesy Jerica O'Neil)
Libby Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Lauer illustrates the importance of a breathing apparatus to an area teen on Dec. 15. (Photo courtesy Jerica O'Neil)
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Jon Davis shares a laugh with Juli Shumate while showing her handcuffs are used on Dec. 15. (Photo courtesy Jerica O'Neil)
David Thompson Search and Rescue volunteer Ken Rayome Sr. shows area students how to tie a knot on Dec. 15. (Photo courtesy Jerica O'Neil)
A local volunteer is working to get more young people involved in giving their time.
Loni Harmon is involved with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office “Shop with a Cop” program that helps younger children and their families during the Christmas season.
But Harmon was recently inspired to try and get area teens more involved with first responders in south Lincoln County.
“Our volunteer agencies are dwindling and we’d like to get some new, fresh blood involved,” Harmon said.
Harmon’s efforts led to the first gathering of teens and emergency services on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the National Guard Armory in Libby.
“We do a lot for the younger kids, but I thought it’d be for teens to see what opportunities there are and for them to become more familiar with local first respondents and law enforcement,” Harmon said.
Harmon said Montana National Guard Sgt. Charles Berget brought MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and gear that people may need when they are recreating in the outdoors.
Also, the Sheriff’s Office sent two officers who spoke about their work while Libby Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Lauer brought some gear that helped illustrate some of the work fire fighters perform.
Crews from the Libby Volunteer Ambulance Service as well as David Thompson Search and Rescue shared what their efforts include and skills such as knot tying and rappelling.
Harmon said area restaurants donated lunch for everyone and items were donated for grab bags that each youth took home.
“The National Guard folks were great hosts and I was super impressed with how kind and informative everyone was with the kids,” Harmon said. “Everyone was happy and hopefully this will create future possibilities for our volunteer groups.”
Harmon said her plan is to have an event twice a year - one each in the spring and fall - that will host 50 students annually.
