CERT

A CERT member is an individual who has special skills useful in volunteer work before and during an emergency or disaster, has volunteered those skills in advance, has completed a course of basic skills training has been certified by the Chief of Police and Fire Services of the City of Lacy Lakeview.

Training is held at the Lacy Lakeview Community Center, 505 East Craven. Classes are held on Thursday evenings for eight (8) weeks and end with an actual hands-on scenario. Class typically begins at 6:30 p.m. and is three hours each night. The final scenario is typically 3-4 hours. Complete the application, and bring to the Police Department, 503 E. Craven for processing.

If you have questions, contact Chief Dennis A. Stapleton @ 254-799-2479 ext 232 or dennis_stapleton@lacy-lakeview.org. You may also contact Fire Marshal Nathan Kelley @ 254-799-2479 ext. 224. We are excited to continue to expand this training program to our community.

Purpose

The purpose of the Lacy Lakeview Community Emergency Response Team Program is to establish a cadre of specially trained volunteers, referred to as "CERT members", to provide manpower to augment emergency response personnel.

How to join Lacy Lakeview's CERT

  1. Application: Click on "Forms" for application
  2. Security Clearance - A background investigation is conducted and maintained on all CERT members. A driver's license check and criminal history check will be conducted. To become a CERT Member, the applicant shall complete an application and pass all security requirements.
  3. Residence Requirement - The applicant shall live in McLennan County, and in or near the City of Lacy Lakeview.
  4. Training Requirements - Members must be willing to devote themselves to attend the initial training and monthly training afterwards. See info below.

Training Requirements

It shall be a requirement of all applicants to complete the training listed below:
  • Disaster Preparedness
  • Fire Safety
  • Disaster Medical Operations
  • Light Search and Rescue Operations
  • CERT Organization
  • Disaster Psychology
  • Terrorism and CERT
  • Course Review and Disaster Simulation
Training is typically conducted on Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for eight (8) weeks at the Civic Center on East Craven. The Disaster Simulation is conducted in the City of Lacy Lakeview, and is made as real to life as possible.

Training continues after the initial CERT academy. The City of Lacy Lakeview also coordinates monthly training exercise with the City of Waco CERT. Further training is provided to develop skills and enhance each member's ability to remain prepared.

Participation

A CERT Member will be required to participate in functions when called upon. Excessive absenteeism may cause the removal from the program. When called upon, the CERT Member is charged with the responsibility of responding to assist the City of Lacy Lakeview in emergency and non-emergency events. CERT Members will be required to meet monthly for ongoing training. A member must make seventy five percent (75%) of all meetings and events to remain in good standing. CERT Members will also be involved with local drills and exercises. They will serve upon request at any events hosted by the City of Lacy Lakeview.

For more information, Contact:
Chief Dennis A. Stapleton
254-799-2479

History

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. They recognized that citizens would very likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic disaster. Accordingly, the LAFD decided that some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance could arrive. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet immediate post-disaster needs.

The training program that the LAFD initiated proved to be so beneficial that the Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) felt that the concept and the program should be made available to communities nationwide. In 1994, the Emergency Management Institute (EMI), in cooperation with the LAFD, expanded the CERT materials to make the applicable to all hazards.

In 2003, President Bush asked all Americans to volunteer in the service of their country. The Citizen Corps program was created to spearhead this effort to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. CERT was selected as one of the primary programs offered to the American public to meet this challenge. In any major disaster or crisis, historically, many types of individuals have been quick to volunteer their special services and skill to meet the common need.

The City of Lacy Lakeview established a CERT program in 2004. The program is co-sponsored by the Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG). Each program is basically developed to meet the needs of their community. In Lacy Lakeview, volunteer members will work within the City of Lacy Lakeview Emergency Management Office. The Chief of Police and Fire Services is the coordinator.