Paulding County EMA gains 21 new Volunteers in CERT Program

(Dallas, GA) – Recently the Paulding County Emergency Management Agency held its third Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Course with 21 new members successfully completing the training requirements and application process to hold a position on the team.
Training included classroom study and performance exercises in the following topics: disaster preparedness, CERT organization, disaster psychology, light search and rescue, fire safety, terrorism, and disaster medical operations. These blocks of instruction were delivered on weekday evenings in May at the Paulding County Emergency Operations Center. Graduates of the CERT Basic Training Course include: Michelle Boyce, Chip Boyd, Charles Caprio, Shannon Caprio, Tiffany Clark, Anthony Clonts, Amanda Corn, Greg Corn, Eric Eberly, Doug Edwards, Ryan Fleeman, Tonia Johnson, Brandon LaDue, Aaron McMichen, Nicole McMichen, John N. Morgan, Timothy Payne, Paul Poss, Dakota Smith, Wayne Sonnevelt, and Zinna Swann.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security promote the CERT Programs nationally as part of the Presidents Citizen Corps. FEMA supports CERT through grant funding and sponsoring train the trainer and program manager courses for members of the fire, medical, and emergency management community.
Paulding County EMA started its CERT Program in 2016 to assist with shelter management operations, search and rescue of missing persons, Skywarn storm spotter participation, and disaster recovery operations such as tornado or flooding events. CERT Volunteers also assist with first-aid, information, lost/found property, suspicious activity monitoring, and general safety at community events such as parades, festivals, and fireworks events.

Media Contact: Eve Cogsdell, EMA Coordinator
Office: 678-383-3420
E-mail: