Monroe CERT Welcomes 15 New Graduates

The next time Monroe is hit with a major storm, 15 new members of the town's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be there, assisting first-responders and helping their neighbors. Last week, a ceremony for CERT's third graduating class was held at the Monroe Senior Center.

This group of men and women completed a 24-hour training program over three Saturdays during the month of April to earn their certification. The course also  included lessons in personal and family preparedness.

Monroe Fire Chief William Davin, who also serves as the town fire marshal, and Deputy Chief Anna Maria Laguardia of the Monroe Emergency Medical Service both spoke and offered best wishes to the graduates.

David York, the town's Emergency Management Director, administered the Loyalty Oath to the graduates.

Ernest Heidelberg, the course instructor and President of the Westport CERT, presented the students with their official Certification as CERT members.

Monroe police officers, volunteer firefighters and Emergency Medical Service personnel assisted in the training.

The new graduates include: Kathleen Boivie, Richard Boivie, Quintin Brantley, Lisa Burr, Joseph Chapman, Kathy Dilks , Debbie Dutches, Robert Heid, Craig Hirsch, Teri LaTulipe, Bonnie Meyerle, Alina Moiseanu, Tricia Torreso, Jay Torreso and Anthony Valdettaro.

The CERT membership in Monroe has grown to 51 community members with the addition of this new group.