Amanda "Ander" Anderson - amandaa@santarosa.fl.gov
Santa Rosa ECC
​​​
Ander hails from a line of first responders, decided to continue the legacy, and embarked on their career journey in 2012 by completing the EMT Academy at Pensacola State College and earning a FL EMT License. In 2013, they joined Santa Rosa County Emergency Communications, becoming EMD certified and a licensed FL 911 PST.
With a guiding ethos of "You're never fully trained, there is something new to learn every day.", Ander didn't stop there. Over the next few years, they earned an AA degree and completed various certification courses in emergency services. They became a Communications Training Officer (CTO) at their center and certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Ander went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of West Florida in Workforce and Program Development, with certificates in Management Development and Technology Systems Support.
​
Along with being the Assistant Coordinator for FL-TERT's Panhandle Region, they hold leadership roles at their center as the CTO Program Coordinator and Peer Support Assistant Team Leader.
Presently, they have been studying Cybersecurity and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is on track to graduate in December 2024.
Ander deployed to Bay County with FL-TERT in 2018 for Hurricane Michael. They arrived the day after impact and has been passionate for TERT ever since.
Their goal is to contribute to the ongoing evolution of Emergency Communication Services.
April Miller - aprilmi@santarosa.fl.gov
Santa Rosa ECC
​
From a small town in the Florida Panhandle, April grew up in Public Safety. Her father, mother and grandmother all worked for the local sheriff's department, while she joined Santa Rosa Emergency Communications (Fire/EMS). As a third generation telecommunicator, April has 19 yrs experience in a dispatch setting, starting in late 2005. She deployed for Hurricane Ian relief to Sarasota in 2022 as Assistant Regional Coordinator and took over as Regional Coordinator at the end of 2023's hurricane season. She is a certified COM-T and trainee COM-L for Region I, along with a member of the region's RDSTF. April is currently working on various comms, radio and IT certifications to further her COM-T role within the region and state. She is working closely with members of the FL-COMU to update resource information for the Panhandle area.
Christal Wiggs - christal.wiggs@bayso.org
Bay County Sheriff's Office
​
My name is Christal Wiggs, I have worked for the Bay County Sheriff's Office for 3 months, but I did work for Springfield Police Department for 10 years. I served in the military for 2 years and then was reserved for 4 years. Before working for Bay County, I worked for Bay District Schools (transportation department) for 5 years. I have 3 wonderful children by the names of Morgan, Lauren, and Corbyn. A few of my favorite hobbies is reading and hanging out with good friends.
​
When I worked at the Springfield Police Department, I was on duty when Hurricane Michael made landfall. It was life-changing and made me want to help people even more than I already do. I am more than excited to be welcomed into this team, and I can not wait to see where it takes me!
Hunter Retherford - hretherford@baycountyfl.gov
Bay County Emergency Operations Center
​
My name is Hunter Retherford; I was first introduced to the dispatch world growing up listening to Ham Radios with my Grandfather, a retired Navy and Sheriff Deputy. I began my career in dispatch working for the Panama City Police Department starting in 2013-2015, dispatching police while honing my skills in FCIC/NCIC. I had the desire to advance and learn more within the dispatch career and moved along to dispatch for the Bay County Sheriff's Office, starting full time 2015-2017, reaching the position of Assistant Supervisor and trainer. I then moved into a part-time role. While working for the BCSO, I simultaneously started working part-time with Bay County Emergency Services (Fire & EMS). I eventually moved into a full-time position 2017-present. During my time with Emergency Services, I have trained several call takers and dispatchers. I have continued to extend my knowledge with additional classes, exercises, events, and activations. I look forward to this new advancement with TERT, as well as the opportunity to teach my fellow dispatchers how to properly prepare and work on a deployment team.
Lisa Cahill - lisa.cahill@marionfl.org
Marion County Public Safety
​
Lisa Cahill is a dedicated professional leader with 27 years’ experience specializing in training, problem solving, planning, organizing and managing emergency telecommunicators committed to providing excellent customer service and implementing operational and procedural improvements that benefit the citizens and first responders of Marion County.
That leadership has traversed into her TERT deployments as well. Lisa has participated in three TERT deployments. Lisa currently serves together with Ricky Rowell from Nassau County Sheriff’s Office as Co-Team Leaders for the Northeast Region.
September 2020, Hurricane Sally (Category 2) – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a State of Emergency on September 14, 2020. Lisa was deployed to Baldwin County, Alabama.
Late August 2021, Hurricane Ida (Category 4) – On August 28, 2021, President Joe Biden issued a State of Emergency for the State of Louisiana one day prior to Hurricane Ida landfall. Lisa was deployed to LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
September 2022, Hurricane Ian (Category 5) – Lisa was deployed to Lee County Control for an unprecedented 19 days.
Lisa has gathered knowledge from each deployment and shared that information in various training classes to help ensure others are prepared.
Lt. Ricky Rowell - Ricky.Rowell@FloridaAPCO.org
Nassau County Sheriff's Office | Florida APCO
​
Ricky has been the NCSO 911 Communications Manager since 2010. He began his career with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office on April 15, 1998, after two years as a Volunteer Fire Fighter / EMT. Ricky remained active as a volunteer firefighter and also dispatched part-time for Trauma One North out of UF Health in Jacksonville, FL.
At NCSO Ricky worked as a telecommunicator, EMD, dispatch team supervisor, and training coordinator prior to being promoted to Communications Manager. He is also a Negotiator and CISM team leader. Other responsibilities during his time with NCSO include FCIC TAC, 911 Coordinator, NWS 911 CAD Build Team, NCSO Explorer Program Leader, Camp Cadet Counselor, APCO Instructor, CPR Instructor, NCSO Project Lifesaver Program Manager, Radio System Coordinator, AED program coordinator, etc.
Ricky received a distinguished service award in 2010, in 2013 he achieved APCO Florida Chapter Life member status and later achieved APCO International Life Member, 2015 he achieved his RPL from APCO international. Ricky is a Past Chapter President of The Florida Chapter of APCO and currently holds the position of Executive Council Representative on the Florida APCO board. Ricky is a proven leader, demonstrating a willingness to do “whatever it takes” to accomplish the goals of his agency. He has a passion for helping others and serving the citizens of Nassau County.
Brittney Desrosiers - bdesrosiers@pascocountyfl.net
Pasco County Emergency Services
​
Brittney Lawson is a Law Enforcement Dispatch Supervisor at the Pasco County Department of Emergency Services and has served at the agency for over six years. She joined the TERT team shortly after her career began in 2017; she’s since had the privilege of participating in deployment to Bay County following the devastating events of Hurricane Michael. Brittney was appointed as the Regional Coordinator for the Central West area in January of 2022, and she looks forward to future deployments and encourages others to do the same. Brittney is an active member of several departmental organizations, such as the Community Outreach Program and the Tampa Bay Regional CISM Team.
Natalie Heneks - heneksn@pbso.org
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
​
Hello everyone, I am Natalie Heneks, and I oversee Emergency Communications as the Division Manager for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. I hold a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and am working towards my Master's in Public Administration (almost finished). Here at PBSO, we have two primary ECCs as well as two backup ECCs located 40 miles west in Belle Glade, and we have over 250 personnel. I have spent my entire 29-year career in emergency communications, and my first experience with any deployments was in 2004 when our agency deployed to Charlotte County after Hurricane Charley. Shortly after that, our Division became more involved with TERT.
As a regional coordinator for TERT, I believe that the ability to help our other agencies rewards us in so many ways. Our personnel are able to assist others, form lifelong friendships, and really become connected to their role in emergency communications – to understand how essential it really is. TERT
plays a significant role in fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, making us all feel like we
belong to a unified team.
The world of emergency communications is ever-changing. I believe it is essential to continue reviewing and updating how business is done in the field. The most important aspect is the employee, ensuring they receive the education and resources needed to grow and become future leaders in this professional field. Involvement with TERT and other projects is one way to achieve this goal.
Kathy Liriano - kliriano@coralsprings.gov
Coral Springs Police Department
​​​
Bio coming soon!
Brittany Naso - brittany.naso@miamidade.gov
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
​
I am Brittany Naso, aged 33, born and raised in Miami. I have been a part of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue since 2016, currently serving as a Dispatch Supervisor. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a fire rescue dispatcher, especially the diverse range of assignments we handle, with open water rescues being a personal favorite. In addition to my duties, I contribute to the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team within my department and hold IAFF peer support training. Beyond work, I am a proud mother of three lovely daughters and relish spending my free time at the beach.
Christina Valderrama - christina.valderrama@sarasotasheriff.org
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
​
Bio coming soon!
Monica Guttenfelder - monica.guttenfelder@colliersheriff.org
Collier County Sheriff's Office
​
My name is Monica Guttenfelder and I have worked for the Collier County Sheriff's Office Emergency Communications Center since 2007. I currently serve as a Communication's Supervisor, as well as their Emergency Management Liaison. I am heavily involved in their hurricane and major event planning, as well as policy writing. I graduated from Barry University with a Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management, and I am in the process of finishing up my Master's Degree in Emergency/Disaster Management with Columbia Southern University.
James Oehmke - James.Oehmke@FloridaAPCO.org
Secretary - Florida APCO | FL-TERT APCO Liaison
​
​I have 18 years of dispatch experience with Volusia Sheriff's Office. I am the current Secretary for Florida APCO and a Past President. I have been appointed the FL-TERT Board Oversight/Liaison and get to work with the best TERT state coordinator.