Lake Forest launches volunteer CERT program; inaugural class to staff Lake Forest Days

Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke told the council on Aug. 4 that the city’s first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) completed its basic training and will serve at public events, including Lake Forest Days. Chief Burke said the program is "a nationally recognized initiative" and that participants received hands-on training in first aid, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster preparedness and traffic control. "Graduates of this inaugural class will serve as Lake Forest's first official CERT team, offering support during critical incidents and community events, including Lake Forest Days," Burke said. The chief named the graduates and thanked Commander Ben Drum for organizing the training. Chief Burke said initial deployment will be to scheduled events and that staff will develop a phone chain for larger incidents. He described the first basic course as roughly 10 weeks (one night per week for about three hours) for ongoing cohorts; ongoing training will be monthly with expected participation in five to six events per year. Commander Grom (spelled in the transcript as "Grom"/"Grum") told the council the program is voluntary and the department plans to run another class in the fall, work with neighboring Lake County communities for joint training, and increase the roster to about 20–25 volunteers. Identifying apparel (vests, polos) and department IDs will distinguish CERT members from uniformed officers during deployments. The council asked about term limits and commitments; officials said service is on a volunteer basis and members may serve as long as they wish, with regular ongoing training required to remain active.