BOURNE – Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings is issuing his favorite annual call, the one for public-spirited volunteers interested in earning certification as a Community Emergency Response volunteer.
Members of a CERT, short for Community Emergency Response Team, are mobilized to assist professional first responders. They have proven especially helpful early on when the response is stretched thin or is still being activated. Teams have also pitched in at road races, festivals, and other non-emergency venues on Cape Cod. They often help with traffic and parking control at these events.
CERT follows a national model established in the mid 1990s by the Los Angeles Fire Department — and dramatically re-energized by the 9/11 terrorist strike more than 15 years ago.
To qualify for CERT you must be at least 16-years-old and willing to attend seven weekly training classes.
Classes begin on Wednesday, March 29th, and meet consecutive Wednesdays thereafter, through May 10th. Meeting time is 6 PM to 8 PM and this year’s site is the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. The classroom is in Flanagan Hall, formerly Blinn Hall.
Being a CERT member is a valued resume credential for anyone starting out in emergency preparedness, law enforcement, or public safety. Retired and semi-retired citizens have also turned out to be a willing and rewarding source of candidates.
There is no charge for classes and seating is limited to 25. The slots fill quickly and the March start date is fast approaching. So sign up now, using this link to access the required paperwork: http://www.bsheriff.net/cert.html
Media release furnished by Barnstable Sheriff’s Office
