21 complete CERT training course

Latest class brings total number of graduates in the local program to 797

The City of Auburn Emergency Management Division has announced the addition of 21 new members to the area’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), bringing the total number of graduates in the local program to 797.

The 21 graduates from the area’s 49th CERT course received 24 intensive hours of training over three days. The training culminated in a hands-on practical exercise simulating an earthquake.

Graduates of the class included: Angela Choate, Matt Deeds, Denise Delight, Rachel Dysart, Sarah Dysart, Bonnie Eyles, Michael Eyles, Scott Husar, Robert Johnson, Wayne Kirk, Mike Kopec, Karen Larsen, Evie Larson, Alexis Latham, Kevin Menzia, Waylon Menzia, Jonathan Poff, Ronald Seek, Charla Stromberg, Leilani Walsh, and Sarah Yancey.

The CERT class schedule for 2018, class information, and training applications are available on the City website, auburnwa.gov/disaster.

CERT training is comprised of 24 hours of classroom education and hands-on practice in topics including disaster preparedness; emergency management; fire safety/suppression; disaster medical operations; light search and rescue; disaster communication; disaster psychology; and all-hazards identification and awareness.

Graduates have the opportunity to become registered emergency workers with their respective cities and the state of Washington, allowing them to help in local and regional disasters. Graduates also have the opportunity to participate in local and regional continuing education activities, including training and field exercises. Courses are sponsored by the City of Auburn’s Office of Emergency Management and taught by fire and emergency management professionals from the cities of Auburn, Pacific, and the Valley Regional Fire Authority.