Pueblo Emergency Response Team
Who Are We?
The Pueblo Emergency Response Team (PERT) is an integrated group of 3 teams: The Fire Team, Dive Rescue/Recovery, and Search & Rescue. The teams were organized in 1989 under the former Pueblo County Department of Public Safety & Operations, now The Department of Emergency Management (DEM). DEM is responsible for overall management of the PERT, with the majority of PERT funding provided by Pueblo County government.
Prior to 1989, PERT activities were provided through other Pueblo County offices. Wildland Fire, plus dive rescue/recovery services were performed by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. Search and Rescue services were provided through the Pueblo Civil Defense Agency. After the Civil Defense Agency was absorbed into the new Public Safety & Operations on January 1, 1989, discussions between the new department, the Sheriff, and volunteers resulted in the formation of PERT. The PERT, established in late 1989, has a goal of improving efficiency in service delivery, while continuing to meet the Sheriff's statutory responsibilities of providing wildland fire suppression, and coordinating search and rescue. The successful partnership has lasted, responding to over 1600 calls and continues into its 20th year.
PERT members are trained in several areas, including: Basic First Aid/CPR, HazMat Awareness, Wildland fire fighting, search and rescue, dive rescue/recovery, and National Incident Management System.
For more information on joining PERT, contact Emergency Services Bureau at 719-583-6200. You can also download the application form to get started.
Where Are We?
Pueblo County is in southeastern Colorado, approximately 100 miles south of Denver. The majority of the county is in the eastern plains, while the county’s southwestern corner includes a portion of the Wet Mountains, with its high point (Greenhorn Mountain) reaching an elevation of 12,347 feet. The Arkansas River flows west to east through central Pueblo County, paralleled by U.S. Highway 50. Interstate 25 runs north-south through the county, meeting U.S. Highway 50 in the City of Pueblo. The county’s varied geography gives PERT the opportunity for equally varied responses.
Areas of Response
Pueblo County
Department of
Emergency Management
