New Community Emergency Response Team members complete training

The City of Auburn Emergency Management Office recently announced the addition of 26 new members to the area's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), bringing the total number of graduates in the local program to 491.

November 22, 2012 3:57 pm

The City of Auburn Emergency Management Office recently announced the addition of 26 new members to the area’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), bringing the total number of graduates in the local program to 491.

The 26 new members graduated from the area’s 26th CERT course that included 24 intensive hours of training over six weeks. The training culminated in a hands-on practical exercise simulating an earthquake.

Graduates of the class included:  Michelle Binetti, Melinda Burns, Kandice Llera, Ginger Luckenbach, Matt Luckenbach, Beth Nieva, Jocelynne Starmer, Conner Wheelock, Gina Wheelock and Reagan Wheelock of Auburn; Gerald Jackson, Tanny Jackson, Robin Moser, Timothy Overland and Doug Taylor of Bonney Lake; Albert Devita of Buckley. Peter Chafouleas, Denise Swafford, Gregory Swafford and Deann Tinnon of Enumclaw; Cindy Jo Bell, Tyler Esh and Jay Hill of Renton;  Rebecca Bird and Dustin Strickland of Spanaway; Douglas Compau ofSumner.

CERT training is comprised of 24 hours of classroom education and hands-on practice in topics including disaster preparedness, emergency management, fire safety/suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster communication, disaster psychology, and all-hazards identification andawareness.

Graduates have the opportunity to become registered emergency workers with their respective cities and the State of Washington, allowing them to aid in local and regional disasters. Graduates also have the opportunity to participate in local and regional continuing education activities, including training and field exercises.

Courses are sponsored by the White River Valley Citizen Corps Council and taught by fire and emergency management professionals from the cities of Auburn, Pacific, and the Valley Regional Fire Authority.

The next CERT class is schedule to begin on Tuesday, March 5, running for four consecutive Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., with the exception of the final day which will be 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Space is still available, though pre-registration is required. Information and applications for classes may be found at www.auburnwa.gov/disaster.