Westport-Weston CERT Welcomes Nine New Members

Westport, CT, April 13, 2023 - Nine new Westport-Weston Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers received their Basic Training certificates following successful completion of the CERT training course in a ceremony at the Westport Library. All nine are members of the clergy residing in surrounding towns. Police Chief Foti Koskinas commended the group for volunteering to provide help and assistance during crisis events when people’s lives are in danger. They took the oath and were sworn in by Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Michael Kronick. First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker stated: “Westport is blessed with this group of volunteers who are committed to helping us during our most difficult times of crisis. It takes a very special person, who is willing to run towards an emergency to serve and support this community. I am so grateful and was honored to attend the CERT graduation ceremony.”

According to Mike Vincelli, President of Westport-Weston CERT, their Basic Training class covered topics including emergency preparedness, disaster response, fire control, traffic control, search and rescue, shelter operations, organization and mobilization, medical operations, basic first aid, CPR, mass casualty incidents, disaster psychology, self-care and team well-being.

Westport-Weston CERT is a volunteer organization that provides support to the uniformed services when there’s an emergency or crisis, allowing fire, police and EMS to focus on more complex tasks. CERT also assists with community activities which in the past have included helping the health district at vaccine clinics, COVID test kit distribution, traffic control at the Fourth of July celebration, assistance at the Touch-a-Truck event and First Night. CERT has also provided mutual aid to units in other communities including Stamford and Wilton.

The CERT program, implemented through FEMA/Department of Homeland Security, offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations.

If you are interested in learning more about CERT and attending the classes, contact David Kinyon (david.kinyon@raveis.com – 203.247.0337) or Mike Vincelli (mvincelli@wwhd.org - 203.227.9571 x233) or go to www.westportwestoncert.org.