Lakeside's 6th CERT Academy Graduates

The final day of training for the 6th Lakeside CERT Academy was a disaster. Literally. On Saturday July 24th, students participated in a disaster drill which simulated the aftermath of a major earthquake event. Team members used the skills that they learned in the 20 hour CERT course which they attended over four Saturdays in June and July. New knowledge in disaster preparedness, small fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue and team organization was put to the test during the two hour ordeal.
 

The group worked as a well organized team to turn a chaotic scenario into a scene of prioritized order. Twelve students of varied ages and backgrounds graduated following the final drill to become Lakeside's newest CERT members. Each volunteer was presented with a certificate, official I.D. badge and congratulations by Fire Chief Andy Parr after their successful course completion.

Congratulations Lakeside CERT Academy 6

Volunteer CERT members throughout the country play a vital role in disaster preparedness and response to act as the first line of rescue after a major disaster when local first responders are overwhelmed and until additional resources arrive. If you would like to learn how you can benefit from this valuable training, please visit the Lakeside Fire Protection District website HERE and fill out the CERT interest form or contact Ashleigh Copenhaver at 619-390-2350, extension 303 to register. New classes are now forming and scheduled to begin in September. You can learn more about the national CERT program HERE.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain