In March 2010, I joined the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for San Juan Capistrano. Soon after that, I was asked how I got involved in their program. The following information about me was published in their June Newsletter:
After graduating from Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, I joined the Marine Corps Reserves. I was sent to Quantico for OCS (Officer Candidate School) training. After graduation, I was ordered to Camp Pendleton. That’s when I fell in love with California!
Some years later, my wife Patricia, our children Larry and Janine, and I moved to Capistrano Beach. I then taught English full time and karate part time at Orange Coast College.
In the early 80’s, the foundation to our home dropped 4 inches from heavy rains. The bank said, “We’d rather see you in another house.” We had 2 horses boarded at a stable in San Juan Capistrano, so my family…and horses moved to Rancho Carrillo, a small community 14 miles from San Juan, where we had no electricity.
It was here Pat and I raised our children and soon to be 5 horses, on our 2.74 acres. Pat became the community 4-H Leader, I was the community and later the Orange County and Southern Region 4-H Horse Leader.
While at Orange Coast College, I coordinated horseback riding trips with Rock Creek Pack Station, Bishop, California, to study the wild Mustangs and to offer horseback and mule trips into the high Sierra.
In 1993, we experienced the Laguna/Ortega fire. Pat and son Larry saw the fire approaching our home. I was traveling 5 miles an hour–traffic–on the freeway, trying to get home.They were able to evacuate and we all met in San Juan. The next day, we learned our home was still standing, but we lost some pet chickens, a goose, and a duck in the fire. The horses were safe. And our Community got electricity!
Later, I learned from a fellow REALTOR about CERT. Based on what we’d gone through with the rains and fire, I wanted to be better prepared. I also trained and qualified with LART, the Large Animal Response Team, an extension of CERT.
Michael Cantor, the Director of CERT, constantly tells all of us, “Thanks for taking the time to be Prepared.” No. it’s we who thank you, Michael!
I’m grateful for my training and encourage Everyone to be Prepared!
lawrencecarlson 
Really interesting Larry. I knew part of this but it’s nice to see the whole picture.
Of course you write beautifully, with clarity and economy. I am flattered that you shared with me. Thank you. jacki long