New CERT Graduates Honored At Brick Council Meeting

Brick Township has two more residents who have joined the ranks of its Community Emergency Response Team, after a graduation ceremony Monday night at the Brick Township Council meeting.

The two Brick residents -- who were not able to attend the meeting -- along with seven Point Pleasant residents and a Toms River man completed the 20-hour course that covers topics from emergency preparedness to fire suppression to terrorism awareness.

CERT -- Community Emergency Response Team -- members assist first responders in a variety of ways during an emergency.

Brick Township Deputy Police Chief James Riccio, who presided over the ceremony Monday night, said CERT members played critical roles in Brick both in the days following Hurricane Irene and the weeks following Hurricane Sandy. Brick has 45 CERT members, Riccio said.

The residents who completed CERT training were Vincent Thomas and Diana Bell.

(Brick Township officials join Point Pleasant officials in congratulating Point Pleasant’s new CERT team during graduation ceremonies in Brick Monday night. Photo by Karen Wall)