Westland launches CERT volunteer program after weekend training
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Summary
Westland City Council members and emergency personnel celebrated the launch of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program after a weekend training that certified about 14 participants; the program will use volunteers to support first responders at emergencies and community events.
Pro Tem Melissa Sampson announced the launch of a Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, program and recognized city staff and volunteers who organized the first training session held the previous weekend.
The CERT program trains volunteers to provide basic support to first responders during emergencies, supplementing public-safety crews and assisting at community events, Pro Tem Melissa Sampson said. "This is a volunteer effort that will essentially help the first responders in situations that are critical, but also just an extra eye, extra hand at events," Sampson said.
Director Adi Awadi and resident organizer Erin Anderson were invited to the dais for recognition. Sampson said the program was proposed about two-and-a-half years ago and moved forward with support from the council and the administration. Sampson told the council the weekend training certified roughly 14 attendees, and that including nearby Livonia volunteers the program roster is close to 20 people. "We have Linda here in the audience who is part of our CERT team," Sampson said as she introduced a volunteer.
At the meeting several Westland public-safety personnel and volunteers described the training. A CERT member who spoke during public comment said the training provided skills to respond to emergencies and expressed appreciation for the council's investment. "Through the training, I've gained valuable skills to respond to emergencies, disasters in our community," a CERT member said.
Deputy Chief (Mitch) and other fire-department staff led hands-on elements of the weekend instruction, including CPR certification, according to Council President Mike McDermott and later comments from training instructors. McDermott said the city now has 14 newly certified community members who can volunteer at events such as the forthcoming Blues, Brews and Barbecue festival.
The council and city staff said the program is funded initially with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds previously allocated by the council and the administration to launch CERT. Sampson said the next public training will likely be in the fall and that the program is open to Westland residents age 18 and older; interested residents may sign up on the city's website under the fire department/emergency management CERT category.
Volunteers and city staff asked for continued community support and donations of time. "We train from 8 to 5 on Saturday, 9 to 3 on Sunday, and time after work on Friday," McDermott said when describing the weekend schedule; volunteers thanked Westland Fire Department staff for their instruction. The presentation closed with applause and an invitation for more residents to register for future sessions.
Looking ahead, council members said they want to expand recruitment and offer repeat trainings so the program can support major events and emergencies in Westland. The council did not take further formal action on the floor at this meeting beyond recognizing and promoting the program.
