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	YOUTH PROGRAM PLANNED *Walter M. Duzzny, Director, Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency, Ohio* Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency, the lead agency for Citizens Corps programs in the county, after experiencing a successful year developing a local interest in the Medical Reserve Corp and volunteers in Police Service, will expand its Community Emergency Response Team training by targeting youth. The mainstay of the program for neighborhood awareness and emergency skills will continue, with training scheduled for 2004 at the Agency Emergency Operations Center.
The agency networking history with local youth groups many from faith-based organizations has proven to be the catalyst in the move towards a cadre development of young men and women who have remained untouched by programs such as the CERT. Along with the new concept, a re-cycling of those residents who participated in the basic course will be provided an opportunity to receive additional training with guest instructors and presenters from first response disciplines as well as support agencies and departments to expose them to the larger issues and operations during a major emergency. “These two areas being youth programs and continued training will be our direction for the next year”, states Walter M. Duzzny, the Agency director.

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