Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Graduates Ready to Provide Emergency Support

The City of Summit Office of Emergency Management Police and Fire Departments have graduated its first group of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer participants from an eight-week program, training members to take an active role in disaster preparedness projects and in assisting professional emergency responders.

 “Our goal in establishing this program is for CERT members and response personnel to work together for the benefit of the community,” explains Summit Police Chief Robert Weck. “This first group of CERT volunteers will be able to use the practical skills garnered during training to effectively assist in emergency situations.”

According to Police Lt. and CERT Coordinator Michael Cantone, communities across the nation are building a grass-roots infrastructure of national preparedness. Cantone describes CERT as “a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens can make a difference.”

CERT training is free and open to all Summit residents age 16 and older.  The 20-hours of training are classroom based with few physical requirements.  To register for the next training session or to get more information, please contact Lt. Cantone at CERT@cityofsummit.org or download the application online at http://cityofsummit.org/police

In photo pictured left to right are: Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson, Fire Battalion Chief Dave Guida (CERT Coordinator), Per Von Zelowtz, Scott Caffrey, Donald Syracuse, Bruce Francois, Beth Pincus, David Hughes, Police Lt. Michael Cantone (CERT Coordinator), Kimberly Ferlauto, Sue Fieseler, Councilmember Al Dill.  Not pictured: Anthony Luciani, Donald Polzo, Matthew Potter, Alex Roduit, Christopher Whitaker, Kelli Zagyi