Farmington Police Seeks Volunteers for Emergency Response Team

The Farmington Police Department is searching for volunteers to serve as civilian emergency responders as part of a FEMA supported Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T).

The CERT program is designed to educate citizens and provide basic training in the event that a natural disaster or major incident causes first responders to be unable to meet the high demand for their services. CERT volunteers are trained in several categories such as disaster preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and team organization.

The basic training is beneficial to any citizen that takes it. This individual will be better prepared before, during, and after a disaster. Citizens who have completed CERT training will be better equipped to help themselves, their families, their neighbors, and the community during a major incident.

The unexpected storm in October 2011 underscored the need for a well-trained, organized, community based support group. CERT members who have completed the basic training course will be called upon to assist in shelter management, traffic control, and mobile canteen services. CERT volunteers will be notified of the team’s activation by an automated message and will report to their designated team leader for their assignment.

Interested candidates must be 18 years of age or older, possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license, and be able to pass a basic criminal background check. For an application or more information please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/ or contact Sergeant Ken Miller at CERT@Farmington-ct.org.

Submitted by the Farmington Police Department.