Training to become a member of CERT, the Community Emergency Response Team, begins April 2, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

Members of the public are invited to join West Hartford’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and an upcoming Basic Training Class will begin on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

The 20-hour training program will be held on seven consecutive Wednesdays, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and will conclude with a practice drill and exercise on Sunday, May 18, at 8 a.m.

The program is free, and open to anyone age 18 or older who lives, works, or goes to school in West Hartford. Prior experience is not required, but an application (click here) must be submitted in advance. The program is limited to the first 25 applicants, who will then be notified of additional details.

The fifth class of CERT members completed their training on May 2, 2023. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

“The West Hartford CERT Team is a group of local volunteers trained to improve their preparedness levels and become able to respond to major emergencies and disasters. The team provides essential services while awaiting professional emergency responders and increases the town’s overall preparedness,” states an announcement about the training program.

Since CERT was implemented in West Hartford in 2021, 294 residents have participated in the program. While there are no minimum activity commitments required following completion of the training, last year CERT members performed over 2,000 volunteer hours by that included food distribution and support during parades and other special events. Team members volunteer according to their interest and availability.

The Basic Training Class covers a variety of topics, including disaster preparedness, emergency first aid, disaster psychology, animal sheltering, fire safety, terrorism, and more. Training is conducted by professionals, and an online FEMA course is also available for additional skill enhancement.

Participants in the training program will also receive a CERT backpack, emergency equipment, and a certificate of completion from the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

For more information and to sign up visit the CERT webpage, email [email protected], or call the coordinators, Robert Hilborn or Robert McCue, at 860-561-8310.

“CERT is integral to the Town’s Office of Emergency Management, directed by Fire Chief Greg Priest. Join us in making a difference in your community,” the announcement states.

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