Community Corner

Community Emergency Response Team Honored at Canton Board of Selectmen Meeting

Members of Canton's first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were honored at the Board of Selectmen meeting Wednesday night. 

Recently 16 Canton residents and two out-of-town individuals completed CERT training, including use of fire extinguishers, disaster psychology, light search and rescue techniques, basic disaster medical response and more. 

Adam B. Libros, Fire Marshal/Director of Emergency Management, said the need for the team was highlighted during an after-storm assessment following the October 2011 snowstorm, during which the town opened its shelter for 9 days. 

While town officials have touted the volunteers that stepped forward during that situation, the storm also highlighted the need for more highly trained individuals to supplement emergency responders such as the Police, Public Works and town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Departments. 

Libros said the team could also work with CERT teams in other towns. 

The team completed a 24-hour training class over 8 weeks taught by Mike Boucher, former fire chief in Burlington and a current dispatcher for the town of Farmington. 

Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I thank you all, on behalf of the board, for choosing to step forward," First Selectman Richard Barlow said.  

Residents who are interested in joining CERT can contact:  

Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Adam B. Libros
  • Fire Marshal/Director of Emergency Management
  • Town of Canton
  • PO Box 168
  • 4 Market St
  • Collinsville CT 06022-0168
  • (860) 693-7857 

 

 


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