The Village of New Lenox announced on Mar. 11 that its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is now accepting registrations for an upcoming volunteer training course, which will begin on April 7 at the New Lenox Village Hall.
The CERT program offers residents a chance to learn emergency preparedness skills and support their community during disasters or local emergencies. The initiative aligns with the village’s broader efforts to improve quality of life and foster community pride through effective municipal services, according to its strategic plan.
The free training course covers disaster preparedness, basic search and rescue, first aid, fire safety, and team-based emergency response. Classes are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., running from April 7 through April 30. The program concludes with a graduation event and hands-on exercises on May 2 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. No prior experience is required for participants—just an interest in learning new skills and serving the community.
Residents who complete the course will be equipped to assist neighbors and support first responders when additional help is needed. The CERT volunteers are often seen at local events wearing bright yellow vests, but their responsibilities extend beyond event assistance.
The Village of New Lenox has a history of promoting patriotism through initiatives such as the ‘Avenue of Flags’ along U.S. Route 30, as noted on the community history page. The village operates under a board of trustees and a mayor elected for four-year terms, as outlined on its government page. It was legally incorporated as a village in Illinois on Oct. 4, 1946, earning its name from Lenox, New York after a request by a railroad official, according to the official history.
As a municipal entity focused on local governance, New Lenox continues to encourage civic engagement through programs like CERT. Residents interested in joining can register at newlenox.net/cert.
