Press Release

#11-25

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WELCOMES 38 NEW MEMBERS TO NEW YORK CITY’S COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)

 

New graduates are joining 24 divisions of credentialed volunteers to help their communities during emergencies

April 8, 2025 – The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) welcomed 38 new Community Emergency Response Team (NYC CERT) volunteers to its program during a graduation ceremony on Monday, April 7 at NYCEM headquarters. The NYC CERT basic training cycle includes 11 sessions that focus on disaster preparedness and emergency response, equipping volunteers with skills in basic fire safety, search and rescue, traffic management, and first aid and triage. NYC Emergency Management offered the training program with instructors from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Auxiliary Unit.

“Community Emergency Response Teams are vital when New York City is impacted by disasters,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Every year New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds commit to become CERT volunteers who are an integral part of the City’s emergency response. From responding to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to helping New Yorkers during heat emergencies to preparing their community for potential flooding, CERT members are there to answer the call. We congratulate the 38 graduates, their dedication to their communities strengthens the city’s resilience and we look forward to the great work they will do.”

During the graduation, 39 CERT members received 2025 Presidential Service awards for serving over 100 volunteer hours each at community events and deployments last year. The awards were presented by NYC Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner for Community Engagement, Herman Schaffer.

“NYC CERT members are committed to supporting our city during emergency events and essential to New York City’s emergency preparedness,” said NYC Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner of Community Preparedness Herman Schaffer. “We congratulate all new CERT members for completing their rigorous training and we also congratulate our award recipients for their dedication and commitment to serving their communities.”

Most recently, NYC CERT members have responded to both planned and emergency events across a range of critical operations, including our NYC's Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey this past January, as well as providing support as Volunteer English Class Facilitators for Asylum Seekers. CERT members also played a key role in assisting with emergency deployments regarding snow measuring and supporting DEP by fulfilling catch basin requests.

Additionally, they supported activities directly impacting community safety and preparedness, such as assisting with the Community Safety for Houses of Worship Safety and Prep Training this past February. CERT was also deployed to support several major events, including the Coney Island New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge, the 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration Parade in Bensonhurst, the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade in Manhattan, the NYRR Washington Heights Salsa, Blues & Shamrocks 5K in Inwood, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bay Ridge, and the Staten Island St. Patrick’s 5K Run, where they helped support the flow of vehicular traffic and pedestrians, ensuring safety and smooth operation of these large-scale events.

“I’ve always been really interested in how emergency response works and how different agencies, like NYCEM, NYPD, and FDNY all come together, and each person understands exactly what they need to do,” said Kirstie Johnson, CERT Graduate. “The CERT training really brought that to life. The instructors were awesome and provided hands-on training, which made it feel real and practical. I learned a lot, and now I not only feel better prepared to help in an emergency, but I also know how to prepare myself and my community before one happens.”

“What I have enjoyed most about training with CERT so far, is the program’s ability to foster an environment filled with – community-based commitment and collective team accountability, while remaining open to continuous improvement and a willingness to embrace change. This approach better supports New York City, as well as the one-of-kind people who live in it,” said Rashard Dyess-Lane, CERT Graduate.

CERT members also work year-round to ensure their communities are prepared for emergencies, providing information and resources to assist residents with creating an emergency plan for their friends and family.

Since its launch, NYC CERT has responded to a host of emergencies, and local divisions quickly adapt to the City’s specific emergency needs. CERT members also work year-round to ensure their communities are prepared for emergencies, providing information and resources to assist residents with creating an emergency plan for their friends and family. NYC Emergency Management hosts Community Emergency Response Team training cycles three times a year. For more information about the program, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call 311 or visit NYC.gov/cert.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in New York City

The New York City CERT program started in 2003 with 106 volunteers. Today, there are 24 divisions of credentialed volunteers covering all 59 NYC community boards. NYC CERT volunteers participate in a 11-session basic training program where they receive instruction from active members of the FDNY, FDNY-EMS, NYPD, and NYC Emergency Management. Volunteers are trained in disaster preparedness and basic emergency response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and traffic management. 

  

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