NERVT
On the Ground
The Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team is Norman's trained volunteer field force — deploying alongside first responders for disasters, searches, and community emergencies. No bill. No delay. Just boots on the ground.
Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team (NERVT) is a locally directed volunteer team that operates under the City of Norman's Emergency Management during activations.
Oklahoma Aerial Search & Rescue (OASRT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides funding, equipment, and administrative support to sustain the program.
In the News
Recognition & Coverage
Emergency Management — Norman Response Volunteers Featured
Emergency Management worked year-long to increase community preparedness. During 2025, community partners continued to rely on the support and services offered by Emergency Management and the Norman Emergency Response Volunteer programs (Norman Response Volunteers and the Norman Medical Reserve CORPS) to fill gaps in areas not met by normal public safety channels.
Support ranged from providing basic medical first aid, event lighting, cooling stations, as well as providing community service through outreach activities. Emergency Management continued to support OU Athletics during sporting games and other campus events like the National Weather Festival.
Emergency Management also strives to ensure emergency response volunteers have the training needed to enhance response capabilities, engaging in opportunities to interface with the Oklahoma National Guard and other community partners. They also participate in mental health training focusing on Physiological First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and CPR.
The Division's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team also continued to provide valuable aerial support to Norman responders by responding to several mutual aid requests for fire support, manhunts and lost people. They were instrumental in the recovery of a lost victim of the Moore flooding.
In 2025, the team worked diligently to occupy and prepare the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for daily operations and for emergency operations. The utility of the space to support public safety efforts was put to the test during wildfire and severe weather operations.
Emergency Management looks forward to a robust 2026 by promoting ongoing efforts as well as exploring new opportunities for promoting community preparedness and resilience.
Excerpted from the City of Norman Annual Report — Emergency Management Division, 2025.
Download Full Annual Report2026 Activations
A look at where our team deployed this year to support Norman and the surrounding community.
Medieval Fair
Three-day activation supporting one of Oklahoma's largest outdoor festivals.
- Staffed a First Aid Trailer and Cooling Station/Medical Tent
- Provided transport for EMSSTAT patients back to their vehicles
- Coordinated loading zones for EMSSTAT's ASAP Unit with ambulances for patients needing hospital transport
- Distributed water and Gatorade to first responders working the event
- Monitored and coordinated with the National Weather Service to ensure conditions were safe for patrons
OU Spring Football Game
Supported first responders and patrons at the University of Oklahoma's spring game.
- Distributed water and Gatorade to first responders working the event
- Side-by-side transport for patrons unable to return to their vehicles on their own
- Assisted with locating and identifying medical patients for responding first responders
Norman Music Festival
Two-day partnership with EMSSTAT providing mobile medical support at the Norman Music Festival.
- Side-by-side support to assist EMSSTAT with locating patients in crowds
- Provided basic first aid to event attendees
- Distributed water and Gatorade to first responders working the event
- Monitored and coordinated with the National Weather Service to ensure conditions were safe for patrons
Small Animal Decon Exercise
Volunteers participated in a training exercise alongside the Oklahoma Small Animal Response Team.
- Participated in a Small Animal Decontamination Exercise at OSU
- Trained alongside the Oklahoma Small Animal Response Team
Severe Weather Activations
Activated four times throughout the month in response to severe weather events, serving both remotely and from the Emergency Operations Center.
- Monitored and tracked four separate severe weather events
- Activated remotely and/or at the EOC to support emergency operations
- Coordinated with the National Weather Service during active events
Residential Fire Responses
Responded to two residential structure fires in support of Norman Fire Department operations.
- Provided hydration support to Norman Fire Department personnel on scene
- Coordinated Red Cross assistance for two displaced families
Luke Combs My Kinda Saturday Night Concert
Supported first responders and patrons at the Luke Combs concert at OU Memorial Stadium.
- Assisted with locating and identifying medical patients for responding first responders
- Side-by-side support to assist EMSSTAT with locating patients in crowds
- Provided basic first aid to event attendees
- Distributed water and Gatorade to first responders working the event
- Niagara Water, one of our Elite Donors, provided hydration support for first responders working the event
Straightline Wind Event
Activated in response to a straightline wind event that devastated Norman, OK.
- Completed damage assessments across affected areas
- Provided traffic control for closed roads
- Provided traffic control for a crane removing a tree from a residence
- Distributed bottled water, Gatorade, and Liquid I.V. to citizens of Norman and first responders, thanks to donations from Niagara Water, Pepsico, and Liquid I.V.
29th Norman Conquest
Partnered with the Cleveland County Health Department to support riders and staff at the 29th Norman Conquest.
- Set up with the Cleveland County Health Department to hand out water and Gatorade, thanks to donations from Niagara Water and Pepsico
- Handed out snacks to riders and staff
- Ensured riders and staff stayed hydrated throughout the ride
Harrah Fire Department Water Donation
Donated 40 cases of water to the Harrah Fire Department during peak wildfire season, thanks to the Niagara Water Cares Program.
- Donated 40 cases of water to the Harrah Fire Department
- Supported firefighters during peak wildfire season
- Made possible through the Niagara Water Cares Program
Norman Grass Fire — Largest Deployment of the Year
Our largest deployment of the year, responding to a large grass fire threatening multiple residences and the Norman Water Treatment Plant.
- Established rehab for first responders, thanks to donations from PepsiCo in Edmond and the Niagara Water Cares Program
- Evacuated residents where their homes were threatened by the fire
- Provided aerial support for Incident Command to assist with tactical decisions and tracking the progression of the wildfire
- Established a food rehab at the Norman EOC, feeding and hydrating the Fire Department so they could return to battling the fire
- Responded the same night to a multi-family apartment fire to assist with hydration
- Assisted apartment fire residents with getting help from the Red Cross for housing
American Indian Exposition Hydration Support
Donated 20 cases of Niagara Water to the OKRMC unit running the Cooling/Hydration station at the 2026 American Indian Exposition, helping keep patrons and volunteers safe in extreme heat with heat indexes in the 110s.
- Donated 20 cases of Niagara Water to the OKRMC unit
- Water distributed to patrons and volunteers at the Cooling/Hydration station
- Helped keep everyone safe and hydrated in extreme heat with heat indexes in the 110s
- Made possible thanks to a generous donation from Niagara Water
Niagara Water Wildfire Support Donation
Our Elite Donor, Niagara Water, donated an additional 3 pallets of water to help local firefighters battle extreme heat and wildfire conditions.
- Niagara Water donated 3 pallets of water to support local firefighters during extreme heat and wildfire conditions
- One pallet delivered to Norman Fire Station 3
- 10 cases delivered to Norman Fire Station 6
- 10 cases delivered to Norman Fire Station 9
- Made possible thanks to Niagara Water, one of our Elite Donors
Norman Downburst Damage Assessment
Assisted Norman Fire with ground and thermal drone damage assessments after the northeast side of Norman experienced two downbursts during severe weather.
- Conducted ground-based damage assessments across affected areas
- Provided thermal drone support to aid in damage assessment
- Assisted Norman Fire Department with post-severe-weather operations
Cleveland County Wildfire Response
Assisted multiple fire departments with rehab and drone support during a wildfire in Cleveland County.
- Provided rehab support to firefighters battling the wildfire
- Provided drone support for situational awareness and fire monitoring
- Assisted Little Axe Fire Department
- Assisted Cedar Country Fire Department
- Assisted Slaughterville Fire Department
- Assisted Lexington Fire Department
- Assisted Noble Fire Department
Bridge Creek Fire Department Water Donation
Donated 50 cases of water to the Bridge Creek Fire Department for distribution to other Grady County Fire Departments during extreme wildfire conditions in late August, thanks to a generous donation from Niagara Water.
- Donated 50 cases of water to the Bridge Creek Fire Department
- Water distributed to other Grady County Fire Departments to support firefighters during extreme wildfire conditions
- Made possible thanks to a generous donation from Niagara Water
Cedar Country Mutual Aid Residential Fire
Provided mutual aid rehab support at a residential fire requested by Cedar Country Fire Department, with mutual aid from Little Axe, Lexington, Slaughterville, EMSSTAT, and Norman Fire Departments.
- Provided rehab support to firefighters on scene
- Mutual aid departments assisted: Little Axe, Lexington, Slaughterville, EMSSTAT, and Norman
- Supplied 12 bags of ice, 3 cases of Niagara Water, and 4 cases of Gatorade
- Made possible thanks to generous donations from Niagara Water and PepsiCo
Little Axe Wildfire Mutual Aid
Provided mutual aid rehab and drone support at a wildfire where approximately 4 acres burned, requested by Little Axe Fire Department.
- Provided rehab support to firefighters on scene
- Provided drone support for situational awareness and fire monitoring
- Mutual aid agencies assisted: Norman Fire, Norman Emergency Management, Little Axe Fire, Slaughterville Fire, Cedar Country Fire, and Cleveland County Sheriff's Office
- Approximately 4 acres burned
- Hydration support made possible thanks to donations from Niagara Water and PepsiCo
PepsiCo Hydration Donation
PepsiCo donated 20 cases of Gatorade and 15 cases of water to support OU Football response for first responders and patrons, as well as first responders rounding out the peak wildfire season.
- PepsiCo donated 20 cases of Gatorade and 15 cases of water
- Will support OU Football response for first responders and patrons who become dehydrated
- Will support first responders rounding out the peak wildfire season
- Made possible thanks to a generous donation from PepsiCo
OU Home Football Game vs. UTEP
Supported first responders, patients, and fans at the OU home opener against UTEP, handing out Gatorade and water throughout the event.
- Handed out 8 cases of Gatorade and 14 cases of water to first responders, patients, and fans who needed extra hydration
- Gatorade and Aquafina provided thanks to PepsiCo
- Bottled water provided thanks to Niagara Water
2026 Training Completions
- Oklahoma Certified Emergency Manager (OCEM)
- NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)
- ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
- ICS-400: Advanced ICS Command and General Staff
- L103: Planning Operations Class
- IS-1190: The National Oil & Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the National Response System
- IS-29.a: Public Information Officer Awareness
- IS-15.b: Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies
Our Work in Action
Real moments from our emergency responses and community events
NERVT — Norman's Volunteer Field Team
Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team
NERVT is Norman's trained volunteer field force. Since 2004, our volunteers have deployed alongside first responders for tornadoes, floods, wildfires, searches, and major community events — with no invoice ever sent to the city or its residents.
In the field, NERVT provides situational awareness, ground search operations, aerial reconnaissance, responder rehabilitation, and logistical support — all under the direction of the requesting authority and within each volunteer's certified scope.
NERVT operates within the Emergency Support Function (ESF) framework, with capabilities spanning ESF-5 (Emergency Management), ESF-8 (Public Health & Medical), ESF-9 (Search & Rescue), and ESF-13 (Public Safety & Security).
About OASRT: Oklahoma Aerial Search & Rescue (OASRT) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides funding, equipment, and administrative support for NERVT. OASRT does not direct field operations — that authority belongs to local emergency management.
We Deploy Alongside
NERVT operates within Norman's Emergency Management volunteer framework, coordinating with:
Our Origins
Founded by David Grizzle
The Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team was established through the leadership and vision of Mr. David Grizzle, who recognized the power of trained volunteers to strengthen community response and preparedness. His vision centered on building a coordinated network of skilled volunteers capable of supporting emergency operations, disaster recovery, and public safety efforts.
Growing Community Resilience
Over the years, volunteers from various clubs, organizations, and professional backgrounds contributed to this growing framework of community resilience — serving alongside Norman emergency management partners in times of need.
Formally Recognized by Norman City Council
The Norman City Council formally recognized the Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team for their dedicated service and contributions to community safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster response across the city.
OASRT Established as Supporting Nonprofit for NERVT
In 2026, NERVT formalized its organizational structure. Oklahoma Aerial Search & Rescue (OASRT) was established as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to serve as the funding, equipment, and administrative support vehicle for the volunteer team. OASRT does not direct field operations — NERVT continues to operate under the direction and authority of local emergency management during activations. OASRT's role is to ensure the volunteer program remains properly equipped, trained, and sustainable for the long term.
What We Do
We're not a name on a list. We're a real, functioning emergency support team that gets to the scene and gets to work.
UAV Drone Teams
Two fully equipped drone teams for aerial search operations and rapid damage assessment after disasters.
Search & Rescue Vehicle
Side-by-side vehicle for rough terrain operations, missing persons searches, and rapid medical transport.
Disaster Response
Rapid deployment for tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and any emergency threatening our community.
Game Day Support
Transport assistance for patrons at OU events who need help getting to or from their vehicles safely.
First Responder Support
Logistical and rehabilitation support for emergency personnel during long-duration incidents.
Cooling Stations
Community event safety with cooling stations, hydration support, and public health outreach.
Gap Coverage
We extend the reach of Norman's first responders, filling critical gaps when resources are stretched.
We fill the gaps. We extend the reach. We make sure help gets to where it's needed—fast.
Impact By The Numbers
Real people. Real hours. Real impact on our community.
Volunteer Hours
Emergency Responses
Billed to Community
Years of Service
Every hour represents a life touched, a crisis managed, or a community kept safe.
Elite Supporters
We are grateful for the individuals and organizations whose exceptional support strengthens our ability to serve first responders and communities. Recognition reflects appreciation only and does not imply endorsement or operational influence.
Niagara Bottling
May 8, 2026
Generous donation of two pallets of water to support first responder hydration during events, emergencies, and severe weather operations.
PepsiCo
May 15, 2026
Generous donation of 20 cases of Gatorade and 10 cases of Aquafina Water to support first responder hydration during events, emergencies, and severe weather operations.
Niagara Bottling
August 14, 2026
Generous donation of three pallets of water to help local firefighters battle extreme heat and wildfire conditions. One pallet went to Norman Fire Station 3, 10 cases to Norman Fire Station 6, and 10 cases to Norman Fire Station 9.
Liquid IV
May 16, 2026
Generous donation of 300 Liquid IV packets to support first responder hydration and electrolyte replenishment during events, emergencies, and severe weather operations.
When the Sirens Stop, Support Still Matters.
During active wildfire season and severe weather events, local fire and emergency departments shouldn't have to worry about where their next meal, water, or supplies are coming from. Your monetary donation allows us to purchase rehab supplies, hot meals, hydration, and hygiene items near the affected area — keeping overhead low and response fast — so first responders can stay focused on saving lives.
⚠️ We are not currently accepting physical item donations.
Without a permanent storage facility, monetary support allows us to purchase exactly what's needed for each deployment — ensuring supplies are fresh, appropriate, and ready when first responders and impacted families need them most.
Your funds support:
- ✓Deployment-specific food, hydration, and operational support
- ✓No excess inventory or waste — unused funds support other operational needs
Why Your Help Matters Now
Until now, our team has been 100% funded by our own volunteers. We've bought the gear, fueled the vehicles, and built this operation from the ground up. With growing needs, we need your support to keep serving Norman.
Your Donation Helps Us Stay Ready:
A Local Mission Worth Backing
We don't have overhead. We don't have salaries.
We have a mission—and the track record to prove it.
If you've ever been helped… If you've ever seen a neighbor in crisis… If you've ever wondered who would show up when things go bad…
You just found them.
Tax-deductible through Oklahoma Aerial Search & Rescue 501(c)(3)