CRESTVIEW — When tragedy strikes, Samantha Torgerson will be there to help, and she hopes other North Okaloosa residents will be, too.
The Okaloosa County Trauma Intervention Program, or TIP, seeks volunteers to help trauma survivors. Just three cover the whole county, Torgerson, the group's crisis team manager, said.
No one should survive a crisis alone, whether it's a traffic accident, house fire, unexpected family death or becoming the victim of a crime, the Crestview resident said.
Torgerson has responded to calls involving a homicide, suicide and helping a family cope with an unexpected death since she signed up to volunteer last April.
Responding to each call is challenging, and it takes "a person who is compassionate for everyone" to volunteer for the organization, she said.
Volunteers often serve as a liaison between first responders and victims, notifying friends and family about deaths, and help make arrangements for those needing food, shelter or clothing.
Volunteers also help arrange follow-up services and provide referrals on agencies offering ongoing assistance.
Torgerson invites any of those interested in becoming a member to contact her and consider registering for the TIP training academy classes.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: TIP Training Academy
WHEN: Jan. 23 through Feb.1, various times
WHERE: Fort Walton Beach Police Department, 7 Hollywood Blvd. NE.
COST: $30; go to the TIP home page to register and see the training schedule.
CONTACT: Samantha Torgerson, storgerson@tip.org
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview woman: No one should face tragedy alone