MEDIA RELEASE

MAY 13, 2009

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE WAIVER ON CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS

Browning’s Resolution Provides Relief and Encourages Community Service

Hauppauge, NY- A fee waiver on civil service examinations for members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) passed the Suffolk County Legislature yesterday. The waiver was sponsored by Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) and will provide free examinations for 300 plus volunteers that have attended the CERT academy since 2004.

Suffolk County CERT volunteers are a diverse group consisting of seniors, Suffolk County employees, veterans, volunteer firefighters, EMT’s, and Auxiliary Police. The goal of CERT members is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. They often assist emergency personnel during emergencies, and are another layer of support when the public is in need.

CERT volunteers attend a 13 week academy as well as the Suffolk County Fire Academy. They continue their training on a monthly basis within their divisions, which are broken up among the ten towns in Suffolk County. Additional training is done through outside agencies which focus on search and rescue, shelter operations, animal rescue, and point of distribution and dispensing exercises.

“These volunteers are highly trained individuals and we could always use more people that are dedicated to making their communities safer,” said Browning. “I am hopeful that this will help volunteers apply for jobs during these hard economic times. I am also hopeful that it will create an incentive for more citizens to sign up and get involved.”

During emergencies these volunteers assist all agencies and help fill the void that may result from a lack of trained personnel. They have assisted the Emergency Operations Center on numerous occasions to notify Joint Emergency Evacuation Applicants (JEEP) of upcoming storms. JEEP applicants are those who are most vulnerable during emergencies and that have been identified as those needing special care in dangerous situations.

Lastly, CERT members are integral in educating the public by providing presentations and public outreach on emergency preparedness. You will also find them assisting with major events when staffing is needed.

“The Community Emergency Response Team is vital to protecting our neighbors in times of need,” stated Browning. “These are exceptional volunteers who devote their time free of charge to assist our emergency services when additional trained personnel are called for. They are the very people we want to see applying to be civil servants, and this waiver will make it easier for them to do so.”

If you are interested in joining the Community Emergency Response Team you can call 1-877-WE2-WANTU or apply online at www.co.suffolk.ny.us/CitizenCorps/Citizen.aspx. You can also contact Legislator Kate Browning with any questions at 631-852-1300.