Hanover County is preparing citizens to respond to emergencies in their communities by training them as a Community Emergency Response Team (“CERT”).   Twelve citizens graduated in May from the most recent County CERT class, held at the Farrington Volunteer Fire Department.

Graduates of the most recent CERT training class were:  Sharon Bradshaw, Dana Cosby, Nan Frascogna, Dianne Ganley, Don Ganley, Wayne Gilchrest, Beth Hawkins, Paula Mackay, Carin Patterson, Joe Paulchell, Sherry Paulchell, and Charles Williams.

These volunteers completed five sessions that covered various aspects of preparation for a disaster in their community, including providing medical assistance to victims, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology and team organization.  Classes are taught by professionals from Hanover Fire/EMS, the American Red Cross and other agencies that are active in emergency preparedness.

The next CERT training class is tentatively expected to be held in the fall.  For more information about future CERT classes, please e-mail [email protected]