Graduation was held Saturday for new members of the Westfield Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Front row: Matt Warren, Al Giguere, Jr., Kathy Dubuque, Jason Polan, and Charlie Smith; back row: Kathy Hillman, Shannon Chiba, Assistant Director Melissa Blain, Director Steve Malochleb, Jain Makepeace, and Alfiya K. (MARC ST.ONGE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD – The city has 10 newly-trained members of its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
City Emergency Management Director Steve Malochleb certified the 10 volunteers during the April 10 graduation ceremony at The Church of the Atonement.
Malochleb said he was proud of the group and hopes to utilize the CERT members throughout the year. He also hopes to have another class of 10 starting soon.
“My hope is to have at least 50 members of CERT,” Malochleb said. “Our last class was in 2010 and had about 20 people. CERT hasn’t been used and I have already spoken to Police Chief [Lawrence P.] Valliere about how CERT can help.”
Malochleb said CERT members are trained to respond to disasters as well as be a support at community events.
“They are trained in first aid, trauma, splints, stop the bleed, CPR, how to use an AED, fire suppression and more,” Malochleb said. “And they are taught Psychology 101 to not only deal with the public, but also self-psychology in how to deal with emergency situations.”
Malochleb said there is an interest among the recent graduates to advance their training in search and rescue. He added that the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offers a course on chainsaw usage that CERT members can take.
“When there are trees down – like the October storm of 2011 – we can go in and cut trees and move them out of the roadway to restore power faster,” Malochleb said.
Malochleb said that most of the time, CERT members would likely be mobilized for community events, such as road races or any event where people would gather.
“CERT members can assist with traffic and crowd control and are extra eyes at events, watching for anything unusual,” Malochleb said.
CERT members are also trained in active shooter events and how to spot potential danger.
“CERT is a valuable resource for the city,” he said. “And it is a volunteer group, so it doesn’t cost the city anything.”
CERT training is free and participants receive a “go-bag” emergency kit upon graduation. The program is funded by grants.
Anyone interested in learning more or signing up for a class should contact Malochleb at [email protected]
