In April, five additional groups of New York City's CERT program — part of the Department of Homeland Security's Citizen Corps initiative — completed 25 hours of basic disaster preparedness and response training.

As part of their training, CERT members received hands-on instruction in skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue and medical operations. The new CERT graduates are now prepared to assist emergency personnel when needed in emergencies affecting their immediate communities. They are also committed to helping their communities better prepare for all types of emergencies.

Graduation ceremonies took place in each of the five boroughs to recognize the CERT groups' achievements. Representatives from the NYPD, FDNY, NYC OEM, were on hand to congratulate the graduates.

The five graduating groups were:

• Bronx: District 10
• Bronx: District 7
• Manhattan: District 1 & 2
• Brooklyn: District 3
• Queens: District 10

Bronx	Bronx CERT members remove debris from on top of a trapped victim.	Commissioner Bruno presented the team with certificates announcing their completion of the program.
Bronx	CERT trainees prepare to give aid to a wounded individual as part of their hands-on disaster simulation.	A CERT team member renders first aid on a fellow participant.
Brooklyn	Brooklyn CERT members practice fire suppression techniques.	CERT members provide aid to a mock victim while under the guidance of a FDNY instructor.