San Bernardino Countywide CERT Programs Receive 2015 Governor’s Award

On Oct.15, leaders and members of the San Bernardino Countywide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were on hand at the west steps of the California State Capitol to receive California’s 2015 Governor’s Volunteering and Service Award for Disaster Volunteer Program of the Year. Provided by the Office of the Governor and California Volunteers, on behalf of the State of California, this award is intended to recognize an outstanding California disaster volunteer program that has demonstrated an unwavering service commitment to the local community. “While many applications of high quality and merit were submitted, yours was ultimately chosen as a result of your service and innovation while addressing the increasing needs of the State of California. Once again, please accept our heartfelt congratulations on winning this prestigious award! Your hard work and dedication to the State of California is incredibly inspiring and greatly appreciated.” wrote Karen Baker, Chief Service Officer of California, California Volunteers. This award recognizes the work of ALL CERT programs in San Bernardino County (City/Town, Unincorporated, Tribal, Campus and Teen) and the many ways in which they work together to better prepare and serve the residents of this County. CERT is designed to provide basic training to citizen volunteers who want to assist first responders with initial first aid, light search and rescue, information dissemination, or other administrative duties that would free up first responders to take care of more urgent matters. To get involved in CERT or other disaster volunteer programs, contact your city or the San Bernardino County Fire/Office of Emergency Services at (909) 356-3998 or visit www.sbcfire.org.