This CERT Academy provides residents with the information they need to help save lives and reduce trauma in an emergency through training in disaster preparedness, emergency medical techniques, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and terrorism awareness education.
The program consists of six training sessions over two consecutive weekends, and all sessions must be completed to graduate. The training is conducted by Citizen Corps staff, volunteers, and subject matter experts. You don’t need any special skills to participate in the program, and if you’re between 16-17 years old, you can join with a parent’s permission.
Upon successful completion of the academy, trainees leave with critical community knowledge and are eligible to become a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Corps volunteer.
The CERT Academy will take place at the Regional Public Safety Training Center located at 5190 Spectrum Boulevard on the following dates:
Thursday, October 12, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, October 13, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 14, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 21, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, October 22, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 23, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Approximately 300 volunteers currently serve in the Sheriff’s Office Citizen Corps, consisting of three teams: the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Rail Auxiliary Team, and the Citizens Homeland Security Council (CHSC).
CERT volunteers are an invaluable asset to our community, providing crucial services such as traffic control, staffing first aid booths, and helping at special events such as the Reno Rodeo, Reno Balloon Races, and community safety days.
To sign up for training, call CERT Program Manager Joe Olaciregui at (775) 325-6927 or email: WCSOCERT@washoecounty.us
The deadline for submitting applications is October 11, 2023.
For more information about the Washoe County Citizen Corps, visit www.washoecert.org
