Who certifies the unit as state responders?

The unit is certified as state responders by Cal-OES, which stands for the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. This agency is responsible for coordinating the state's response to emergencies and disasters. It provides training, resources, and certification for various emergency response units, ensuring they meet specific standards required to operate effectively in state-led response efforts. Cal-OES plays a vital role in preparing and equipping emergency service personnel, which includes certifying organizations like search and rescue teams to ensure they can efficiently assist during emergencies across the state.

In this context, FEMA, while a significant federal agency involved in disaster management, does not specifically certify state response units. The National Guard often works with state emergency services but does not have the authority to certify civilian response teams. California Emergency Services is somewhat of a general term and does not reference the specific agency responsible for the certification process in California. Thus, Cal-OES is the correct entity that provides the necessary certification for the unit as state responders.