On December 20, the BPC CERT team, held their graduation event after completion of a 16-week training course.
The CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) was formed after September 11th, in partnership with FDNY, NYPD, NYC Emergency Management to train neighborhood volunteers to render assistance in all types of disasters, manmade and natural.
Their mission is to lend support in the areas of search and rescue, triage and the treatment for shock, setting up perimeters in cause of fires or oil spills, until the first responders are on scene. At that point they either assist if requested and turn over responsibility to the professionals .
The CERT program has trained over 1,000 residents, building staffs and managers in Lower Manhattan.
At the award ceremony, NYPD’s first deputy commissioner, Benjamin Tucker attended the event and helped present the awards saying that “This class is a gift to New York City… and how it important it is that they can perform this function until the professionals arrive.”
If you are interested in learning more about or joining the CERT team contact: Pete Morici, senior instructor at 347-408-5345