Volunteer Emergency Response Team Now Part Of Havre De Grace Police

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A team of 25 trained volunteers who help police and emergency responders during community events and emergencies has officially become part of the Havre de Grace Police Department under an executive order signed by Mayor William T. Martin.

Martin signed legislation earlier this month that established the city's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as a police department division.

The volunteer program launched in October 2025 as a neighborhood initiative in Bulle Rock before expanding citywide, according to The Harford County Sun.

The first class of CERT volunteers graduated from training on Feb. 5, the Havre de Grace Police Department noted.

"The volunteers who have researched, organized and trained in the FEMA CERT program are exemplary. These dedicated citizens have prepared to assist first responder agencies, enabling police, fire and EMS personnel to focus on more complex tasks. While no one wishes for a natural disaster or emergency to impact our community, it is reassuring to know that we have trained, committed individuals ready to assist if needed," said Police Chief Jonathan Krass of the Havre de Grace Police Department.

Since its creation, volunteers have helped with crowd safety, traffic management and other duties at city events, according to the city's announcement.

The executive order formally places CERT under the Havre de Grace police chief's authority, who oversees the volunteers and can remove members from service.

The mayor discussed the importance of additional community involvement in public safety at the signing after a "violent" attempted vehicle theft happened in the Bulle Rock neighborhood where suspects fired a gun after being confronted by the vehicle's owner.

Martin described the volunteer team as an "extra set of eyes and ears" for the community, emphasizing that residents can help identify potential problems and support public safety efforts.

The Havre de Grace CERT program is based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community Emergency Response Team model, which trains volunteers to assist before, during and after emergencies, according to the executive order.

CERT volunteers complete 24 hours of training based on FEMA protocols. Every class nationwide receives standardized instruction in emergency preparedness, the Incident Command System and Organization, disaster medical modules (two sessions), disaster psychology, fire safety and utility controls, light search and rescue, and CERT and terrorism, the police department stated.

Havre de Grace Police Sgt. Dan Petz serves as the department's liaison to the program, which is headquartered at the Havre de Grace Ambulance Corps. The team also coordinates with the ambulance corps to support emergency preparedness and public safety activities.

Any adult can become a CERT volunteer, regardless of physical abilities, skill level or age. All necessary training will be provided. Contact Sgt. Petz at 410-939-2121 if you are interested in an upcoming CERT training or email CERT@bullerockcommunity.com.