The City of Joliet has announced the graduation of its inaugural Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class. A total of 28 community members completed a nine-week, 27-hour program focused on disaster preparedness. The training aimed to equip participants with essential skills to assist during emergencies.
The CERT program was coordinated by the City’s Office of Emergency and Disaster Management. Participants received both hands-on and classroom instruction covering various topics such as home and family disaster preparedness, incident command, fire suppression, utility control, weather spotting, disaster medical operations, disaster mental health, and light search and rescue.
“This graduation marks an important milestone for Joliet’s emergency preparedness efforts,” stated John Lukancic, Director of the Office of Emergency and Disaster Management. “We are incredibly proud of our first CERT class. These individuals have shown a deep commitment to serving their neighbors and being ready to support our community in times of crisis. Their dedication strengthens Joliet’s overall resilience and sets a powerful example for others.”
The graduates include Diethard Beyer, Chelsea Bowen, Gerry Billon, Magdalena Campos, Tim Carlin, Don Ciesielski, Margaret Colabuono, Sue Fordyce, Brent Fraser, Flor Fuentes, Katie Fyksen, Annmarie Grooms, Stephanie Hook, Bob Horn, LeShae Hudson, Gina LoGalbo, Bill McCue, Jesus Najera, Joe Nordman, Clayton Pape; Patty Petersen; Sherri Reardon; Jim Richards; Jay Ringo; Carolina Schneider; Mary Frances Seeley; Bobby Shakespeare Jr.; and Phyllis Wilhelm.
The next free CERT class is scheduled to begin on Tuesday June 10th with additional sessions on Saturday June 14th from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Residents interested in participating can find more information or register at www.joliet.gov/cert.
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