Safe citizens
Sunnyvale’s Public Safety Citizens Academy saw another graduating class last month. Participants spend one evening a week for six weeks learning about Sunnyvale’s public safety model, which integrates police, fire and emergency medical services into one department.
Through a combination of lectures, tours and hands-on training, academy sessions covered topics including emergency vehicle operations, fire suppression, defensive tactics and use-of-force scenario training.
The Public Safety Citizens Academy is held once a year and is open to anyone 18 years or older who lives or works in Sunnyvale. For more information, email Lt. Mark Jorgensen at mjorgensen@sunnyvale.ca.gov.
CERT’s 67th class
Last month also saw the graduation of Sunnyvale’s 67th Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy class. Over eight weeks, participants learned the fundamentals of disaster response, including team organization, first aid, fire safety and search and rescue. The training concluded with a simulated disaster drill, giving graduates the chance to put their new skills into action.
CERT is a nationwide program sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It was created after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, where untrained volunteer rescuers faced significant risks. The program’s goal is to ensure that community volunteers are trained to respond safely and effectively during emergencies.
Sunnyvale has been teaching CERT for 20 years and has trained more than a thousand residents. The Office of Emergency Services also offers shorter classes on personal and household preparedness. Visit SunnyvaleSERV.org/classes for a full list.
For more information about CERT and preparedness programs, email Lt. Daniel Moskowitz, Office of Emergency Services coordinator, at dmoskowitz@sunnyvale.ca.gov or call 408-730-7198.