Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Wilderness EMT certifications offered

The National Outdoor Leadership School's Wilderness Medical Institute and Colorado Mountain College have partnered to offer nationally recognized wilderness EMT certifications to medical professionals already certified as EMT-Basics and higher. This course counts as 36 hours of Category 1 CME for Physicians, and an EMT Refresher for certified EMS personnel. The course runs Oct. 18 to 22. Register at the Colorado Mountain College campus in Steamboat Springs.

Steamboat Springs' Luster to join Sheriff's Office

Steamboat Springs police Officer Kurtis Luster is leaving the department for the Routt County Sheriff's Office. Luster previously worked at the Sheriff's Office from 2000 to 2006 as a deputy and eventually a sergeant before joining the police department.

Luster's first day with the Sheriff's Office is Aug. 19. His last day at the police department was Thursday.

Luster said he made the decision to leave because he missed working in the county.

"I want to be in my own backyard," he said. "That's what it comes down to - my level of comfort and compatibility."

Sheriff Gary Wall said he is eager to have Luster return to the Sheriff's Office.

"We are very excited to have him," he said. "Everyone who knew (Luster) when he was here before thinks he's great."

Wall said Luster will be "riding around with a sergeant" for several weeks, but will not be required to go through field training.

Luster called the police department "a wonderful place to work."

Public Safety Director "J.D. (Hays) was a great boss and a great friend," he said.

There still is one open patrol position at the Sheriff's Office, Wall said.

"We have a couple people in mind for that position," he said.

Former Detention Dep. T.J. Sisto is moving to patrol, he added. Sisto graduates from the police academy in Glenwood Springs today.

Wall also has requested the money to hire three more patrol deputies as part of his 2008 budget request.

Advocates to offer 25-hour training for volunteers

Advocates Against Battering and Abuse is looking for volunteers to become advocates for victims of domestic violence. A 25-hour training will be offered beginning Sept. 8. Call Marchele at 879-2034 for more information.