Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) created by the Citizen's Corps Readiness Initiative, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, held a training course this week-end at the Public Safety building, for 36 residents of New Berlin who volunteered for the 20 hour class. This was a very interesting course and many former gradautes of the New Berlin Citizens Academy were in attendance.

The instructors were Linda Botts, Coordinator of COAD, Waukesha County

Captain Bruce Koehler, of Ozaukee County Emergency Management Hazardous Material Team,

Fire Lieutenant Gregory Marris, who is the Assistant hazardous Materials Director of the Milwaukee Fire Department

After the CERT training program was introduced, the following items were covered with extensive time for "hands on training". The nine items that were covered were;  Disaster preparedness, Fire safety, 2 sessions of Disaster medical operations, Light search and rescue operations, CERT organization, Disaster psychology, Terrorism and CERT, and this was followed by a Course review and disaster simulation.

The attendees expressed a hope that we never have a disaster happen in  New Berlin or the surrounding area.  In the event that something does happen, we hope that that the fire and police department remember that we have been trained and are willing to contribute to the common good.

If you are interested in participating in the CERT program please contact;

Linda Botts, 262 446 5077 e mail Lbotts@waukeshacounty.gov