New Page 2

	BREAKFAST WITH THE FIREFIGHTERS Cindy Metcalf, Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services, Boca Raton, Florida Boca Raton CERT currently has more than 330 members. As the program grows, fire fighters and CERT members alike have been asking to become a more integrated unit. Each group wonders about training, scope of responsibility in a disaster, and transfer of scene command, just to name a few. In response to all the concerns, Boca Raton CERT, led by FF Frank Correggio, has begun a new training program in which all fire fighters learn about CERT and their responsibilities. Phase 1: Firefighters receive an overview of CERT goals, training and role in a disaster. Phase 2:CERT members are invited to have breakfast at the fire station located in their zone.
Team Leaders Barbara and Bill Kasser had this to say about their Breakfast with Firefighters. “Breakfast this morning was fabulous. They really went overboard, showing us how they get the truck ready and then how they get the ambulance (New term: Box) ready too. Bill and I were so impressed with the volume and knowledge and the amazing supplies. Then it was on to a great breakfast of enough food to keep us for a week! The guys treated us with a great deal of respect and wanted to know how we function. They were genuinely interested in CERT. We tore ourselves away around 9:30! We would have stayed all day if we could have. Thanks for making this possible. We loved every minute of it! “

BOCA RATON OPEN HOUSE Cindy Metcalf, Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services, Boca Raton, Florida
	Each year Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services holds an Open House during Fire Prevention week to promote fire safety to the citizens of Boca Raton. Nearly 1,500 residents stop by for this fun filled educational afternoon. Over the last few years Community Emergency Response Team members have become an integral part of a successful Open House. Team members help with set-up, refreshments (hot dogs and fluids), taking pictures of kids dressed in real bunker gear, assisting fire fighters in taking kids for a ride in a stokes basket, and hold a bake sale, all while giving out information regarding the CERT program. New to the event this year was a Dalmatian dog bounce house and fire truck slide. Special thanks to our CERT members for making these activities, and the day, fun and enjoyable for all who attended.
Boca Raton CERT has 45 “Hams” to assist with CERT communications. At Open House they demonstrated amateur radio operations from the communications’ vehicle known as the “hamster.” Our volunteers used amateur radio communications to contact Aruba, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Panama, Slovakia, Slovenia, Trinidad, and the Ukraine. Let’s hope after a disaster they will be able to communicate just within the city limits of Boca Raton. We feel Open House continues to be a success due to our CERT members increased participation.



Return to *THE CONNECTION*