RAHWAY – The Rahway Police Department is looking for people who want to make a difference in our community. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is designed to train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their community. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. The Rahway CERT team recently was activated to assist in the H1N1 clinics held in the City of Rahway. There are currently 40 trained members of The Rahway CERT Team.

The CERT program is designed to train and set up communications between First Responders and the community to save lives following a major disaster. There will be 8 sessions (20 hours) consisting of the following topics: Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Fire Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations Part 1, Disaster Medical Operations Part 2, Light Search & Rescue Operations, Disaster Psychology & Team Organization, Terrorism, and a Final Practical exercise realistic to this community.

The Rahway Police Department is now accepting applications from people within the Rahway Community who are at least 21 years old and interested in becoming a part of the Rahway CERT Team. The training will be held at the Rahway Police Department on Wednesdays from September 8, 2010 until October 20, 2010 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.. The program will consist of 7 classes and a practical exercise. The practical exercise date will be announced at the start of the program.

Applications may be obtained at the Rahway Police Department or for more information you can contact Detective William Eicholz at (732) 827-2079.