Earlier this week, the UVM Department of Police Services honored the women’s swimming & diving coaching staff, recognizing their leadership and care of the team during an active shooter situation at the Ft. Lauderdale airport in January.
Head coach Gerry Cournoyer, associate head coach Jennifer Fenton-Cournoyer, diving coach Cathy Seward, assistant coach Brian Keats, and athletic trainer Neal Sands were awarded with certificates of appreciation and recognition at the Davis Center. The honor is presented to non-employees for exemplary service or acts comparable to UVM Police Services awards.
A mass shooting occurred at the Ft. Lauderdale airport on Jan. 6 near the baggage claim in Terminal 2. Five people were killed and six others were injured in the shooting, while more than 30 people sustained injuries in the ensuing panic. Uncertainty for the Catamounts and other travelers occurred following unfounded reports of additional gunshots in other terminals, a false alarm which led to panic and widespread evacuations.
Several members of the team sustained injuries in the evacuation, but many Catamounts were also able to assist other travelers in finding safety and locating their families. The team was originally scheduled to fly from its annual winter training trip in Florida to Baltimore in advance of a double dual meet against UMBC and Howard, which was postponed.
News courtesy of Vermont Athletics.