Rockland Seeking Volunteers to Serve on New Community Emergency Response Team

ROCKLAND — Rockland Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Scott Duffey would like to invite residents to attend an information session later this month about the town’s formation of a new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

WHEN:

Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Rockland Senior Center, 317 Plain St., Rockland

WHAT:

The Town of Rockland is working to put together a brand-new CERT program and Chief Duffey is seeking residents who are interested in volunteering to be a part of the team to attend the upcoming information session.

Rockland CERT will be a group of community volunteers trained to assist and augment the Rockland Police and Fire Departments during emergencies or large events.

CERT educates individuals about disaster preparedness, specifically regarding hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT volunteers can assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT volunteers are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects.

“We are hoping to have a large turnout of people interested in being the first members of this new Rockland CERT program,” Chief Duffey said. “CERT members can be a valuable asset to a community in helping to respond during emergency situations and events. Members will receive vital training that they can also apply to their everyday lives when the unexpected occurs.”

For more information, please call Chief Duffey at 781-878-4094.

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