Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Another program, which offers training to residents, is the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  This program provides residents with basic training on what to do before, during, and after a disaster.  Most importantly, the training aids the participant in protecting themselves and their family during emergency situations.  Trained CERT members may also participate in helping their community through organized municipal or county-level emergency management. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has adopted this program, which began in Los Angeles in 1985.  Bergen County Emergency Management piloted a CERT program for county employees in the spring of 2002.  This program has now been expanded to all county residents and training is provided at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute.  Emerson residents are encouraged to participate and can contact Police Officer Mark Savino, the Emergency Management Coordinator, at Police Headquarters for further information. Deputy OEM Coordinator is Joseph Solimando.

Members of the CERT Team:

Mark Savino, Leslie Solimando, Fran Sottile, Bob Sottile, George Schomberg, Lucy Solimando, Kathy Buda, Brian Todd, Gladys DeMarco, Owen Peacock, Dan Peacock, Debbie Sansone, Loraine Vandervalk, Marinos Loukeris, Anthony Basile, Kristen Bensen