County looking for CERT leader

The Alpena County Board of Commissioners is looking for a volunteer to lead the county's Citizens Emergency Response Team.

During a June meeting of the county's CERT ad hoc committee, it was determined the team, which assists emergency personnel, was lingering without direction.

The committee recommended advertising for a volunteer CERT leader, which was approved by the commissioners.

County Commissioner Mark Hall said the committee is looking for a person with strong organizational skills, communications skills, desire to recruit new members and wants to operate in emergency situations.

"My vote will always go to the most qualified person," Hall said.

The CERT leader has to be a certified CERT member and registered with the Michigan Volunteer Registry.

Hall said emergency response teams comprised of citizens started becoming more prominent following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The members of the team are trained how to handle emergency situations and have some equipment, which was purchased through a federal grant.

"They're extra arms and legs but what's good about it is they're not taken off the street," Hall said, adding the team members know when it is appropriate to take certain action and how to take orders from emergency personnel.

Hall, who is also an Alpena Township firefighter, said the group helps emergency personnel by organizing people during an emergency.

As an example, he said CERT could take parents and media members to one location if there was ever an accident involving a school bus - allowing emergency personnel to do their job while keeping keeping everyone informed.

A group has been trained and equipment - including a trailer and backpacks for team members - has been purchased with a federal grant. Hall said a leader is now needed to allow the group to fulfill its potential.

"All that money has been expended so now it's time to get it going," he said.

People interested in becoming a CERT member should give their contact information to the Alpena County Commissioners office. Those interested in becoming the team leader should send a letter of interest to the office.

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.