Community Corner

Coventry CERT Graduates Class Number Two

Nine members have completed the second basic training program and are now ready to assist their community.

 

On Thursday night, friends, family and fellow CERT volunteers gathered at the Coventry to celebrate the graduation of the newest Coventry Emergency Response Team members.

The nine-member group, instructed by CCFD Captain Bill Hall, recently completed their nine-week Basic Training program that included lessons ranging from how to extinguish fires, disaster psychology and triage to CPR certification and first aid.

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

The ceremony featured guest speaker Theresa C. Murray, Rhode Island Emergency Management Executive Director, who expressed her pride in seeing so many people volunteer to help their community.

"I'm delighted to see volunteers come out to do this and I am so excited that this effort is in place here in Coventry," she said. "I thank you very much for your time, dedication, motivation and commitment."

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

Murray was also joined by Andrea Tatro and Rob Lopez of the RIEMA.

Coventry Police Chief and EMA Director Bryan Volpe addressed the graduates and thanked them for being willing to work in difficult situations for the good of their community.

"The members of our CERT team have volunteered to possibly put themselves in harm's way," he said. "In short, it takes a very special person to do what you have all signed on to do."

Numerous local dignitaries attended the ceremony to present the graduates with proclamations including Town Council President Gary Cote, Council Vice-President Kerry McGee, Council member Ray Spear, Town Manager Tom Hoover, Senators Glen Shibley and Nick Kettle and Representatives Patricia Serpa, Lisa Tomasso and Scott Guthrie.

"This group answers the call when we need them, when our people are taxed to the max," said Acting Central Coventry Fire Chief Dave Gorman.  "It's unbelievable and very comforting to see that there are people in the community willing to step up and support us when needed."

All CERT members were presented with a certificate of completion and neon yellow Coventry CERT t-shirts to wear in the case of an emergency.

and were to work in a shelter, assist EMA personnel and distribute bottled water to residents without power when Tropical Storm Irene hit Rhode Island.


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