10 volunteers graduate from CERT program

By Ron Mills

On August 23, 2011, Gilchrist County Emergency Management graduated its sixth Community Emergency Response Team Training Class (C.E.R.T.).
With the assistance of Commissioners Durden, Harrison, Langford, Thomas and County Administrator Ron McQueen, completion certificates were awarded and equipment issued to the 10 new C.E.R.T. members. A practical application exercise immediately followed the ceremony for the graduates.

CERT graduates attending are shown, back row, left to right: Dallas Creamer, Felisha Creamer,
Lowell Chesborough, James Hubbell, and Ron Mills-Gilchrist County Emergency Management chief.
Front row, left to right: Richard Esseck, Leslie Esseck, Susan Griener, Grace Piasecki, Jean Wonser, and Amanda Dougherty.

Five volunteers were “made-up” (by professional artists) with various injuries, from burns to compound fractures, to allow students to assess, and treat patients.
The volunteer program spans a period of ten weeks, one evening a week to include basic instruction in: first aid, search and rescue, fire suppression, hazardous materials, psychology, terrorism; and students receive a certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
This “NO COST” training is available to all residents of Gilchrist County with new classes starting this fall for both adults and the JROTC Students in the High School System.
Many thanks to our Instructors for their efforts and a special thanks to the County Officials for their support and to attend and help preside over the ceremony.
If you have interest in participating in the emergency response effort for your County, immediate neighborhood or family, please contact your Emergency Management Office in Bell at 386-935-5400.