Want to volunteer? Join Western Pennsylvania Community Emergency Response Team.

A nonprofit agency that trains residents and responds to emergencies is looking for more volunteers. The Western Pennsylvania CERT group formed in 2017, and its members may be called to aid first responders during emergencies like severe weather events or man-made disasters, like a chemical spill, or train derailment. Volunteers are trained by Federal Emergency Management Agency staff and other first responders. – CERT was designed by FEMA – on situations like fire suppression, first aid, search and rescue, team organization, traffic control, and more. The western Pennsylvania arm of CERT has about 30 active volunteers spread out over 26 counties, and more help is needed. There is a junior program for younger teens, and there are administrative roles for volunteers who are physically unable to perform certain tasks. Western PA Cert has many different units. Search and rescue, K-9 unit, Law Enforcement, Medical, Emergency coms and more. Cert has two K9’s. Dobre and Ziva. Dobre is a certified Explosive Device Dog (Bomb Dog), Ziva is certified in Search and rescue. CERT will be aiding at the Grove City Strawberry Days. Cert will be providing medical if needed. They will have a first aid booth set up and also a command trailer. Certs next meeting will be June 3rd at 7:00 PM. Cert meets at the Springfield Township building, 406 Old Ash Rd, Mercer, PA 16137.