Hamden CERT: The Year in Review

The past year was a busy one for the Hamden Community Emergency Response Team.

Hamden CERT, acting as a major part of Hamden’s Emergency Management, was called into service 38 times during the year. Along with the many community events, the team was also busy with public service, emergency responses and the regular monthly training, including:

• Emergency Calls - six activations that included house fires, rescues at Sleeping Giant State Park and Emergency Shelter operations for Hurricane Sandy.
• Public Service Calls - nine requests that included assistance to North Haven, Sacred Heart Academy, Hamden High School graduation and Connecticut Special Olympics.
• Planned Community Events – 12 requests for assistance that included the town Fireworks and Concert series, along with the Brooksvale Festival, Earth Day, and Silver Bells venues.
• Team Training & Meetings 

During the course of the year, two CERT classes completed training and the first group of high school students become one of only two teen CERT programs in the state. There is a waiting list of students who are signed up for the next Teen CERT Training coming up in March.

The fifth CERT Basic Training Class of 18 members graduated in June of 2012 and have another class is planned for next month. Five team members also attended classes to become certified CERT Instructors.

The team was also able to attain and convert a house trailer into a mobile storage vehicle for shelter equipment and materials. The trailer was donated by a team members who assisted with hours of labor to make the project possible. This trailer is loaded and ready to be brought to any shelter location when needed.

The Hamden Chamber of Commerce recognized Hamden CERT as its 2012 Service Organization of the Year.

"We would like to thank the Hamden Chamber of Commerce for its recognition and the honor of being chosen as the 2012 Service Organization of the Year," said CERT Coordinator Bob Freeman. "As always, it is always a privilege to serve our community when called and to assist our Police and Fire Departments when needed."