Washington County CERT Team Competes in CERT Olympics

Four graduates of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training competed in the first-ever Southeast Wisconsin CERT Olympics on July 31 at Waukesha Area Technical College in Pewaukee. Sherry Athey of West Bend, Laurel Harmon of Jackson, Melanie Knigge of Hartford, and Candy Shoop of Jackson comprised the Washington County team.

The event, coordinated by Wisconsin Citizens and Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), featured six teams from southeastern Wisconsin competing in four major events –team building, fire suppression, light search and rescue, and disaster first aid.

“The CERT Olympics was far more than just a friendly competition. It was also a great opportunity for CERT students to practice their skills and connect with other CERT-trained individuals in the region” said Deborah Knepler, outreach coordinator for Citizen Corps of Washington County. “CERT training is highly recommended for anyone serious about emergency preparedness. CERT teaches important survival skills in how to take care of yourself and those around you in case a catastrophic emergency delays professional first responders”.

CERT has been teaching people how to respond to emergencies in Washington County since 2005. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, terrorism awareness and disaster psychology. Classes are currently being scheduled for the fall.