July 09, 2025

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WELCOMES 44 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

 

July 9, 2025 — The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) welcomed 44 new Community Emergency Response Team (NYC CERT) volunteers to its program during a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, July 8 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 a critical resource in supporting New York City during disasters and an integral part of the City’s emergency planning,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Every year New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds commit to become CERT volunteers who are dedicated to serving their fellow New Yorkers. Whether it’s responding to planned or unplanned events or preparing their community for future emergencies, CERT members are there to answer the call. We congratulate the 44 graduates, their dedication to their communities strengthens the city’s resilience and we look forward to the great work they will do.”

 

“The NYC Emergency Management Community Emergency Response Team is a great asset to all first responders during major emergencies,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker. “The continued partnership between the FDNY, NYPD, and NYCEM is critical to the safety of all New Yorkers. I congratulate the newest members on their completion of this rigorous program, and I know that their contributions will make a positive impact on this City.”

During the graduation, CERT member Elba Melendez received the John D. Solomon Award for Exemplary Service in Emergency Preparedness Education. The award was 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 44 new CERT members for completing their rigorous training and their dedication to their communities strengthens the city’s resilience. We also want to congratulate our award recipient for their great work in community preparedness.”

CERT members 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.  Most recently, NYC CERT members have responded to several planned events, including the Brooklyn Pride parade and the Mermaid parade in Coney Island. They have also played a key role in supporting the NYC Department of Environmental Protection by fulfilling catch basin requests.

Additionally, CERT members supported activities directly impacting community safety and preparedness such as heat canvassing in Manhattan, pet preparedness events, and community resource fairs. They were also deployed to support several major events, including the Five Boro Bike Tour, Memorial Day Parades in Brooklyn and Staten Island, reception events at Gracie Mansion, 2025 NYC Pride March, Brooklyn Knickerbocker Puerto Rican Day Parade, Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations, where they helped support the flow of pedestrians and performed line management, ensuring safety and smooth operation for attendees.

“NYC CERT training gave me practical, hands-on emergency-response skills. I learned to assemble a ‘go bag’, use a life straw to hydrate from uncertain water sources, and establish an emergency contact who can check on me during a crisis. Participating in disaster exercises was especially helpful to see how multiple agencies coordinate in an emergency and how volunteers like us can contribute to the response,” said NYC CERT Graduate Md Fazlul Karim.

“New Yorkers have a well-deserved reputation for unity and mutual aid, especially in the face of adversity. CERT offered me a vital opportunity to gain essential training and resources, empowering me to apply my skills to benefit my community directly. I am committed to advancing my expertise through specialized training and expanding my service to the community,” said NYC CERT Graduate Luis X. Gironza.

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 an 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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