West Hartford’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) held a graduation for 26 new participants on Nov. 9.

West Hartford CERT training, fall 2024. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

In the past three years, nearly 300 people in the West Hartford community have become better equipped to assist in the event of a disaster, and trained to provide valuable services during large events.

West Hartford announced the launch of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the spring of 2021, and since then, 295 have completed the program. Most recently 26 local residents graduated from the basic training program on Nov. 9, 2024. Participants are of a wide range of ages and backgrounds – the most recent cohort included Town Clerk Leon Davidoff and Dallas Dodge Jr., the father of Corporation Counsel Dallas Dodge III – and several members from Hartford and Bloomfield joined the training program this time as well.

West Hartford CERT training, fall 2024. Courtesy photo

According to Deputy Emergency Management Director Bob McCue, “Local CERT programs help train residents to better assist their families, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow community members during emergencies, particularly when professional responders may not be immediately available. CERT members also support town-wide events and large-scale emergencies, helping to free up first responders to focus on critical tasks.”

CERT Basic Training includes more than 20 hours of instruction, with topics that include disaster preparedness, organization, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, terrorism awareness, fire safety, medical operations, and sheltering. Training and certification in the American Heart Association’s HeartSaver program is also included.

West Hartford CERT training, fall 2024. Courtesy photo

As part of the hands-on training, participants practice using fire extinguishers on a real – but controlled – fire, conduct search and rescue operations, and administer medical treatment in simulated emergency scenarios.

According to McCue, nearly 6,000 hours of service have been provided to the community by CERT members since the program’s inception. The team meets monthly a the Elmwood Community Center.

Training is free and open to all individuals aged 18 and older. Participants are eligible to volunteer for community activities once the training is completed and there is no time commitment required.

For more information about the CERT program, please visit the West Hartford CERT Team website or email [email protected].

West Hartford CERT training, fall 2024. Courtesy photo

West Hartford CERT training, fall 2024. Courtesy photo

West Hartford CERT training, fall 2024. Courtesy photo

West Hartford CERT training, fall 2024. Courtesy photo

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