Winter 2005                                             Volume 7    Issue 1

New Jersey CERT Volunteers Head to Florida
Joseph Geleta, New Jersey State Citizens Corp Council, New Jersey

The State of Florida asked for volunteers to assist in the aftermath of the number of hurricanes that devastated their state.  FEMA requested volunteers through their State Points of Contact and the State of New Jersey was proud to send 122 people to assist as community relations officers in the State of Florida.

The task to recruit volunteers from around the country was given to FEMA Region V.  Working through their State Points of Contact they were able to reach out throughout the country and ask for assistance.  The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, working with our County partners canvassed interested personnel and forwarded this list to FEMA Region V.  The State Emergency Operations Center was inundated with applications of people wanting to go to assist their fellow citizens in Florida. 

Once FEMA received the applications they reviewed them and chose a total of 122 individuals from the State of New Jersey to be sent to training in Atlanta, Georgia. After their training they were assigned to different parts of Florida as community relations officers. Preliminary feedback received on their performance has been positive. They played a vital role in the rebuilding efforts for the victims of the hurricanes.

The State of New Jersey salutes these volunteers who sacrificed their time with their families to be with those in time of need and despair.  Our goal is to train our citizens and have them ready in the event of a disaster whether natural or man-made.  It is clear that our CERT trained citizens distinguished themselves during this time of crises and answered the call to service even when it was in another state.  Congratulations and thank you to all CERT members. 

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