Pierce College Employees Complete CERT Training With West Pierce Fire & Rescue

If disaster ever strikes Pierce College, a team of trained employees is now better equipped to provide assistance to the college and local community. Twenty staff and faculty members recently completed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training with West Pierce Fire and Rescue. CERT is a national program that trains private citizens to offer assistance in times of hardship and disaster.

See a gallery of photos from the CERT training on Pierce’s Facebook page.

The Pierce CERT team received training in lifesaving medical treatment, search and rescue, fire suppression and disaster psychology. The training, which was done over the course of five weeks at the Lakewood station, was aimed at providing the two main campuses and military sites with a trained group to lead any necessary, immediate emergency response.

On June 15, the team had a mock drill, in which they helped in the aftermath of an earthquake. Patients yelled for help, suffered fake injuries and simulated the chaos of an actual emergency. Afterwards, the CERT trainers assessed the team’s performance and offered helpful advice.

For completing the training, the Pierce CERT members received a signed certificate and a CERT backpack loaded with materials they’ll need in a disaster. The kit includes a flashlight, pry bar, hardhat, gloves, a space blanket, reflective vests, and more.

A team of four from Pierce Puyallup completed the same training last April. They are Linda Gilbransen, Connie Rogers, Fran Matz, and Leeann Slupianek.

In addition to helping on campus when necessary, CERT members are trained to help in their neighborhoods and beyond. Local CERT teams have been called to help with a number of disasters, including major floods and fires, and to staff information booths at local events.

The Pierce College CERT team

Patsy Rammel

Benjamin Gomes

Myron Fritts

Alma Moore

Gregory H. Smith

Thomas Davis

Robert Britten

Roy Owens

Mia Yamasaki

Maria Walton

Kelly Benson

Maureen Rickertsen

Jose Nieves

Alex Keeler

Robert Warner

Karen Scott

Ann Salak

Amanda Haines

Shelley Miell