The most recent cohort of 35 residents graduated from the West Hartford CERT Basic Training Program this spring.

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The West Hartford Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduated 35 residents from its most recent Basic Training program on Sunday, May 18, 2025, and to date, the West Hartford Office of Emergency Management has now conducted 11 training sessions and trained 330 residents through this program.

This comprehensive course, spanning over 20 hours, equips participants with essential emergency preparedness skills, including Disaster Preparedness, CERT Organization, Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism Awareness, Fire Safety, Medical Operations, and Sheltering Operations.

West Hartford CERT Basic Training. Courtesy photo

As part of their hands-on training, participants engaged in a practical exercise where they extinguished live fires, conducted search and rescue drills, and practiced providing emergency medical treatment.

The CERT program empowers local residents to assist their families, neighbors, and the wider community during emergencies when first responders may be delayed. CERT volunteers also support town-wide events and emergency situations, helping to ease the burden on professional responders.

West Hartford CERT Basic Training course participants. Courtesy photo

Since its inception in Spring 2021, the West Hartford CERT program has trained over 330 residents and contributed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service to the community. The team meets monthly at the Elmwood Community Center to maintain their skills and readiness.

The next CERT training class is scheduled for this fall and will be held on Saturday mornings. The training is free and open to all residents aged 18 and older.

For more information about the CERT program, please visit the web page, or email [email protected].

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