Palos Park Police Recruit Area Volunteers For Spring 2026 CERT Training Course

PALOS PARK, IL—When disaster strikes, it may be hours before first responders arrive. Residents can learn how to help their neighbors in times of emergency, and get some awesome public safety training at the same time.

The Palos Park Police Department is forming its 2026 seven-week community emergency response team (CERT) to begin Wednesday, April 22, offering residents and residents of surrounding communities essential skills to increase their resilience and respond to emergencies and disasters in their neighborhoods. Classes will be held Wednesdays through June 3, with graduation on June 6, at the Kaptur Administrative Center, 8999 West 123rd St., Palos Park.

"When a disaster strikes, community members are often in the best position to provide support until first responders arrive,” said Chief Joe Miller. “This training ensures residents are prepared to help themselves and their neighbors effectively.”

CERT is a neighborhood-based team that receives special training to enhance their ability to recognize, respond to, and recover from a major emergency or disaster situation. As an organized team, volunteers can provide vital services while waiting for the arrival of first responders, which could take several hours.

CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergencies, but they can also support their communities during non-emergency events as well. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide, with more than 600,000 individuals trained since CERT became a national program.

FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team Program trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. Through hands-on practice and realistic exercises. Officer Frank Flores, of the Palos Park Police Department and a nationally recognized expert in emergency/disaster management, preparation, mitigation and recovery will lead classes.

The course covers topics such as:

• Disaster Preparedness: Identifying hazards and creating family plans.
• Fire Safety: Using fire extinguishers and controlling utilities.
• Disaster Medical Operations: Triaging patients and treating life-threatening injuries.
• Light Search and Rescue: Safely searching for victims.
• Disaster Psychology: Managing team stress and stress encountered by disaster survivors.
• Terrorism/Hazmat

The program concludes with an exercise to test the skills learned. The training is open to anyone 18 years or older.

Space is limited, and residents are encouraged to register by April 6 by emailing Officer Fernando "Frank" Flores at fflores@palospark.org.