MADISON, CT — Following unanimous approval by the Board of Selectmen earlier this month, Madison is moving forward with plans to establish a volunteer Community Emergency Response Team, known as CERT.
The board's approval authorizes Emergency Management Director Sam DeBurra to begin creating the program.
The proposed CERT unit is intended to support local police and fire departments during emergencies, including severe weather events. Plans for the team include an emergency shelter operations group and an aviation unit focused on drone-based support. Officials say the program would provide logistical assistance and aerial capabilities to supplement existing emergency services.
More than 30 residents have already expressed interest in volunteering, according to organizers.
"The program received unanimous approval from our Board of Selectmen to move forward, and we have seen an incredible response from the community, with many licensed pilots and medical professionals stepping up to volunteer," Ryan Duques, the volunteer coordinator spearheading the proposal, told Patch in a statement.
On April 29, organizers will hold a Community Information Session to outline the specific training requirements and operational goals of the new unit. All prospective volunteers and interested residents are invited to attend the session, which will be held at 6 p.m. at the Madison Senior Center.
Attendees will receive information about training requirements, background checks and the anticipated timeline for formally appointing volunteers later this year.
Pizza will be served during the session, and attendees are asked to RSVP in order to get a headcount for the food. To RSVP, click here.
Madison will be helped in establishing the team by the fact that several other Connecticut communities have CERT programs, which could serve as models for the town, according to First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons.
According to DeBurra, the initiative comes at a time when the town faces staffing limitations at its emergency shelter, which CERT volunteers could help address following training.
Organizers are also exploring funding options. Duques said he has discussed the possibility of working with the Madison Foundation to support training and equipment costs.
— Flyer from Ryan Duques
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