Community Members Step Up to Help Durham

15 residents were sworn in last month as members of Durham's new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a volunteer group dedicated to serving the communuity during a disaster or emergency.

Members of the CERT team complete 20 hours of required training.

The following is a statement provided by Francis Willett, director of Durham’s Department of Emergency Management:

The Town of Durham’s Department of Emergency Management has established the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. CERT prepares Durham residents to help themselves, their family, their neighbors and their community in the event of a disaster or emergency.

I am proud to welcome our first class of 15 residents under the leadership of Deputy Director Dr. Steven Levy, who will serve as the CERT Team Leader. I would also like to thank the Instructors George Dunn, Middletown CERT and Ronald Lee, Portland CERT for teaching this first 20 hour class.

This class has successfully completed the CERT Training Course where they were trained and educated in:

•Disaster Preparedness

•Team Organization

•Fire Safety and Suppression

•Basic First Aid

•Light Search and Rescue

With the knowledge skills learned in training and exercises, CERT members can help when called upon by the First Selectman, Fire Chief or Emergency Management Director.

Whether it’s just learning…or volunteering – CERT is for everyone. Our goal is to have the Durham residents help Durham first in the times we need it most. This team and those that follow will help us help you the residents of Durham.

CERT Team Members:

Patricia Dynia

Brenda Eddy

Alicia Fonash-Willett

Kim Garvis

Jody Griese

Paul Griese

Harry Hall

Sharon Hall

Norm Hicks

Wanda Jacques-Gill

Barbara Johnson

Dr. Steven Levy

Dan Murphy

Jim Murray

Susan White