Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team · Since 2004
For more than two decades, trained volunteers from the Norman Emergency Response Volunteer Team (NERVT) have answered the call alongside first responders: tornadoes, floods, wildfires, searches, and major community events, with no invoice ever sent to the city or its residents.
Team founded
Years in the field
Invoiced to the city
Counties served
01Our origins
The history of NERVT and the development of its nonprofit partner, Oklahoma Aerial Search & Rescue, now operating as Oklahoma Response.
2004
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.
Ongoing
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.
Recognition
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.
2026
Oklahoma Aerial Search & Rescue (OASRT) serves as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing fundraising, equipment, and administrative support for the volunteer team. NERVT continues to exist and operates under the applicable emergency management and incident organization during activations. The nonprofit supports the work; its formation does not change the founding date or identity of NERVT.
2026
OASRT adopted the registered trade name Oklahoma Response to reflect its broader work supporting citizens and first responders. Oklahoma Response and OASRT are the same nonprofit operating under two names. NERVT remains a partner, and NERVT members also participate in our organization.
02NERVT service history
Two decades of service to Norman and the surrounding communities, always under the direction of the requesting authority.
Severe weather response, damage assessment, and neighborhood support alongside local emergency management.
Sandbag operations, roadway monitoring, and welfare checks during flooding across the region.
Responder rehabilitation and logistics for fire crews working extended incidents.
Staffing the Norman Emergency Operations Center and supporting incident command during activations.
Trained search teams supporting law enforcement search operations for missing persons.
Medical standby, crowd support, and coordination for large public gatherings and university events.
Medical and logistical volunteer support during pandemic and public health emergencies.
Food, hydration, and rest stations established for first responders during long operations.
Our role, clearly stated
NERVT continues to exist. Oklahoma Response is the registered trade name of Oklahoma Aerial Search & Rescue (OASRT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and NERVT partner. Our shared volunteer service connects us, while each organization’s role remains distinct.