News and Announcements
Administration Committee Jay London and Robin Miller
Operations Committee Joe Zigon and Ezra Sherman
Training Committee Matt Kramer and Aaron Schmidt
I would like to have a Co-Chair Committee Planning meeting on Wed; Sept. 28 at 6:30 PM, at Fire Admin., if that fits everyone's schedule. Please contact me as soon as possible to let me know if you are available. Co-chairs, contact or at least have ideas for additional committee members for your respective groups. We will discuss involvement in the many slated events upcoming in Chandler. I will do my best to keep it to one hour!
For our members, please take time to think about the new committees and where you would prefer to serve. CERT will only be as strong as our involvement is. So please get involved. A special thanks to those of you who have served and are taking a well deserved break, just stay involved at some level and please stay in touch.
Thank you all for your service to the community.
Chandler Fire Dept.
Emerg. Preparedness/Homeland Security/ Special Operations
For some time the Chandler CERT Council has acknowledged that the structure the Council was operating under was not working as well as we wanted and not serving our members as well as it could. We have been exploring alternatives for several months and at the Council meeting on Wednesday, August 17 we adopted a new structure, for at least the next year. We expect that there will be some changes as we figure out what works and what doesn't work. But we believe that the new structure is flexible enough for us to mold to our needs.
Effective Wednesday August 17, 2011 we have dissolved the CERT Council. In its place we have established 3 committees, Administration,Operations, and Training.
Administration Committee - This group manages the CERT records, including member documentation of training and community events. This group also oversees the issuing of badges on an annual basis, and maintains the membership and training records. Some areas that members can assist in are:
Communications - To manage communication between/among the various committees of Chandler CERT. This group also oversees the Chandler CERT website. Keep members apprised of needs, welfare and accomplishments of the CERT members
Marketing/Outreach - Actively promoting Chandler CERT within the larger Chandler community, including items such as: community outreach presentations, advertising, HOA/organization presentations.
Membership/Records - Help to manage, mentor and assist new CERT members with their involvement within the Chandler CERT program. Assists with record keeping for the CERT Members
Operations Committee - This group manages the deployment of CERT members and equipment for specific assignments. Examples include but not limited to:
Events (non-emergency) - Support and coordinate all community events where Chandler CERT actively participates and requires logistics.
Logistics - Manage the Chandler CERT equipment, including the CERT trailer and Storm Response boxes. If these items need to be moved, committee members would oversee that relocation for use by the Operations group.
Specialty - Manage the organization, setup and deployment of the Chandler CERT specialty focus teams, i.e.; Storm Response, or REHAB Teams.
Training Committee - This group manages all Chandler CERT training classes.
Basic Training Classes - Schedule, coordinate and oversee the completion of the G317 Basic Training Class.
Ongoing Advanced Training - Manage the scheduling, coordination, setup and completion of advanced training classes for continuing members.
Each committee will have 2 co-chairs and within each committee there are sub-committees with specific areas of responsibility. The committee co-chairs will report to Battalion Chief Rob McLeod, the Chandler CERT Coordinator. This is a system similar to one used by the Chandler Fire Department that encourages input and participation throughout the Department.
Temporary co-chairs have been appointed by Chief McLeod. The temporary co-chairs are Shauna Hainz and Jay London in Administration, Joe Zigon and Bernie Korczyk in Operations and Matt Kramer and Aaron Schmidt in Training. The plan is to have permanent co-chairs in place well before the end of the year. Any active Chandler CERT member is eligible to be a committee co-chair. Permanent co-chairs will be selected by Chief McLeod. If you are interested in becoming a co-chair please submit your name and contact information to certadmin@chandleraz.gov.
So what does this actually mean? It means that:
· There is no more CERT Council and no more monthly CERT Council meetings.
· There will be fewer meetings, of all kinds, but more communication between committee co-chairs, members and Chief McLeod.
· Any member who has considered being active in CERT but was daunted by the commitment required, has an opportunity to participate at whatever level they can.
· Chandler CERT's affiliation with the Chandler Fire Department is stronger than ever.
· The areas of responsibility under the Council structure are accounted for within sub-committees, but this provides everyone with more flexibility.
· Your participation is encouraged and welcomed at whatever level you can offer.
All Chandler CERT members are strongly encouraged to comment, choose at least one committee of interest, and to participate. We invite you to contact certadmin@chandleraz.gov to select the committee(s) that you would like to assist with. We strongly believe that this new structure will welcome new ideas, more participants and will require less of a commitment from members than the old Council structure required.
If would like to add something to the agenda or for more information please contact Bernie Korczyk, 480-620-5024 or CERT.President@cox.net
would like to add something to the agenda or for more information please contact Bernie Korczyk, 480-620-5024 or
People can call (480) 782-2121 to schedule having their badges made between 4:00 and 6:15 PM. This is to facilitate less congestion and tying up Fire Department staff members.
Those wishing to have their badges made should insure prior to scheduling that they have completed the required training and have copies of completion certificate in their folders. The minimum required to participate is the Basic CERT Training class; NIMS ICS100 & 700. those wishing to participate in other programs such as Storm Response or REHAB assistance, will be required to attend additional training prior to being to being placed on the call out list.
Questions related to Badges and certifications should be directed to Matt Kramer, CERT Training Chair or Battalion Chief, Rob McLeod, CERT Coordinator
Contact Judy Burgess by July 5th.
If you need to be fingerprinted for CERT activities contact Judy Burgess, 480-664-8525 or
What: Chandler CERT Council Meeting
When: March 16, 2011
Where: Chandler Fire HQ
151 E. Boston St..
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Our regular monthly Council meeting.
All Council meetings are open to all CERT members and all are welcome to attend.
If would like to add something to the agenda or for more information please contact Jay London, 480-814-7081 or
At Mesquite High School. 500 S. McQueen Rd. Gilbert, AZ Contact Diana Jeremias to sign up 602-527-0120 or dianajeremias@mail.maricopa.gov No pre-training required. Lunch will be provided.
The next Basic CERT Class will begin Thursday March 31, 2011.
It will run for 7 consecutive Thursdays from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Night 7 drill will be on Thursday May 12 at the Fire Training Center.
If you have any friends or family members interested in taking the Basic class or if any CERT members want to sit in on any of the classes or participate in the drill call Barbara Warren
480-388-5344 or email
The Train the Trainer Course prepares individuals to teach the Basic CERT Course. Applications are available online at http://www.azdohs.gov/CommPrep.asp <http://www.azdohs.gov/CommPrep.asp>
The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, March 22, 2011. If you have any questions about the application process contact Cheryl Bowen at cbowen@azdohs.gov.
Saturday Feb. 26, 10AM - 1PM
In the parking lot and throughout the building. Contact Barbara Warren to sign up to staff the table, 480 388-5344 or warrenbs@cox.net
Even if you can't staff the table, come by tour the new HQ and say hello.
What: Annual Ostrich Festival Parade
When: March 5, 2011
Where: Assemble on Arizona Ave. North of Ray Road
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
It's time again for our annual stroll along Arizona Avenue.
Come join us. Walk in the Parade, wave and say hello to all the Chandler residents lined up along the way to cheer us on.
For more information please contact Barbara Warren, 480-388-5344 or
In support of Water Safety Day, and in cooperation with Phoenix Children's Hospital, the Chandler Fire Department is looking for volunteers to spend a couple of hours inserting stickers into books. The deadline for completion is Saturday January 21. The books can be picked up at Chandler Gilbert Community College (or delivered to you) and either worked on there or brought home to be completed. Contact Tiffany Isaacson 602-546-1712.
Friday & Saturday April 15th & 16th
Location: Seville Golf & Country Club
6683 Clubhouse Dr., Gilbert, AZ
If you would prefer the registration packet emailed directly to you, please email gfdsymposium@gilbertaz.gov
with your first and last name along with your email address.
Save the Date
Tuesday May 3, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: TBD
The very popular, annual Storm Spotter Class taught by meteorologists from the National Weather Service. Renew your annual certification as a Storm Spotter.
The Chandler Fire Department has been running clinics for the public on the proper installation of children's car seats. Chandler CERT members have been volunteering as Scribes to assist in the process.
The sessions are on Saturday mornings from 8:30 AM until 12 Noon. Clinics are scheduled for the following dates:
Jan 8/15/22/29
Feb 5/12/19/26
Mar 5/12/19/26
Apr 2/9/16/30
May 14/21/28
The sessions begin with a short training and review of procedure at 8:30.
This has been a very successful program and the Fire department is pleased with CERT's participation. Anyone interested in volunteering for any of the dates call 480-782-2046.
Saturday February 26, 2011, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. In the parking lot and throughout the building. We expect to have our CERT trailer there and a table set up to talk to people. Contact Barbara Warren to sign up to staff the table, (480)-388-5344 or warrenbs@cox.net.
If you have not had a tour of the new Headquarters this will be a great opportunity to see the entire building. The EOC, is not to be missed.
What: Chandler CERT Council Meeting
When: January 19, 2011
Where: Chandler Fire HQ
151 E. Boston St..
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Our regular monthly Council meeting.
All Council meetings are open to all CERT members and all are welcome to attend.
If would like to add something to the agenda or for more information please contact Jay London, 480-814-7081 or
The next Basic CERT Class will begin Tuesday January 18, 2011.
It will run for 7 consecutive Tuesdays from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Night 7 drill will be on Tuesday March 1.
If you have any friends or family members interested in taking the Basic class or if any CERT members want to sit in on any of the classes or participate in the drill call Barbara Warren
480-388-5344 or email
Meet to Decorate the CERT Trailer at 5:30 PM
Parade at 7 PM (Be there no later than 6:45 PM)
All the Maps and instructions are attached.
Park in any of the designated parking areas, but be aware that it will be crowded, parking will go quickly and several streets will be blocked off from traffic - so get there early.
Our staging (and meeting) location is Spot #47 in the parking lot of the San Tan Regional Courts Center, off Frye Road between Delaware and Washington Streets (See the attached Total Staging Maps)
Friends and family are allowed and welcome to walk the Parade with you, so bring everybody along.
Be sure to wear your CERT shirt, vest and helmet. If you do not have a vest or helmet contact Barbara Warren, warrenbs@cox.net, and we will have a vest and/or helmet for you in the Trailer.
Bring snacks and (warm) beverages to munch on and a light folding chair, if you wish to sit while we are waiting, (as the Parade begins we'll stow the chairs, etc in the back of the CFD pick-up truck towing the Trailer). Also, either flashlights, light sticks or (wearable or carriable) decorative holiday lights would be a good idea.
It's always a lot of fun and family friendly. We're hoping for a good turnout to represent Chandler CERT. See you there. Contact Barbara Warren or Jay London, jaylondon@cox.net, for more information.
Blood Borne Pathogens is one the Supplemental Training classes that need to be be renewed annually to maintain your certification. It is also one of the classes required to be a member of the Storm Response Team. The classroom will hold 35 people, MAX, so only the first 35 to RSVP will be accepted. If necessary we'll start a waiting list. To register by November 5, contact CERTADMIN@chandleraz.gov or 480-782-2116.
ALSO
Same night, same location. Tuesday November 9, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Introduction to Storm Response
A new presentation designed to answer all your questions about the Storm Response Team.
"What is the Storm Response Team?"
"What are the requirements to be a Storm Response Team member?"
"How is the role of the Storm Response Team being expanded to include many more volunteer opportunities with the Chandler Fire Department?"
If you are interested in being an "active" CERT member, you should attend this session. Same RSVP requirements as above.
Our regular monthly Council meeting.
All Council meetings are open to all CERT members and all are welcome to attend.
If would like to add something to the agenda or for more information please contact Jay London, 480-814-7081 or
1. Open
your web browser and type in the following Yahoo site. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/chandlerfirecert
2. If you are not a member of this
Yahoo.com group select the join now button and follow the instructions for
joining. You'll be asked to use an
email of your choice to receive messages from the group.
3. After you've joined the Chandler Fire
CERT group, the group home page will appear. On the left of the Home page will be a menu to select
from. Click on the Database
option.
4. The Database table "Member Hours Log"
will be listed. Click on it.
5. In the Member Hours Log will be a
listing of all CERT member entries in alphabetical order.
6. To add your event, hours, and miles
driven, select "Add Record."
7. A data record will appear for you to
fill in. Enter the date in this
format:
a. Last Name: Use
title case, i.e. Brown
b. First Name:
Same again, i.e. Joe
c. CERT ID #: Use
your class number and roster order if you don't have an ID number issued yet. 046-02
d. Date: the
event or activity date. Use the
concluding date if the activity is on multiple dates.
e. Hours: Use
decimal equivalents. 1.5 is an hour and a half.
f. Miles: Same
for miles.
g. Event/Activity:
Give a short description of the event or activity and the location separated by
a comma. i.e. Terrorism and WMD,
Chandler Fire Admin (CFA)
h. Activity Type:
Use the one of the following to describe.
i. Specialty/Type Training - Amy required skill or practical
training used for certification of a specialty or selected qualification.
ii. Non CERT Training - Training outside of the specialty.
iii. Community Service - Time spent on service projects and
marketing the CERT program.
iv. Call-Out/Deployment - Actual alerts and service in an
emergency.
v. Drills - Any event used to teach or test
our ability to respond as CERT auxiliary responders.
vi. Administration- Any meetings for planning,
organizing and directing the CERT program.
What: Chandler CERT Council Meeting
When: September 15, 2010
Where: Chandler Fire HQ
151 E. Boston St..
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Our regular monthly Council meeting.
All Council meetings are open to all CERT members and all are welcome to attend.
If would like to
add something to the agenda or for more information please contact Jay London, 480-814-7081 or
The next Chandler CERT Town Hall Potluck will be September 22. Our special guest will be Kari Nienstadt, the Arizona State Director of the Humane Society of the United States.
Learn how you can be better prepared to care for your pets in a disaster. Join us for some emergency tips and planning information from The Humane Society of the United States.
Location: Chandler Fire HQ, 151 East Boston Street
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Feel free to bring a dish to pass for the potluck. We'll supply plates, utensils, etc.
Wells Fargo's Incident Management Team is sponsoring a Safety and Awareness Fair October 5 from 11:00AM - 2:00PM at the Ocotillo Corporate Center. Chandler CERT, as well as a number of other local organizations, have been asked to staff a table and discuss safety and awareness. This is a great opportunity to talk a bout the CERT program. If you would like to sign up to participate or for more information please contact Barbara Warren 480-388-5344 or warrenbs@cox.net
As CERT Members, if you wish to advance in the typing system, you will, at some point, be required to be fingerprinted.
We currently have a grant that will provide for free fingerprinting for CERT up to 150 members.
Here are 3 Dates, Times and Locations where you can be fingerprinted.
Wed. Sept 8,
11:00 AM-1:00PM
Chandler Police Headquarters
Thurs. Sept 9, 6:30-9:00 PM
Chandler Fire Headquarters
Thurs. Sept 16,
4:00-6:00 PM
Chandler Police HQ.
For more information contact Judy Burgess.
480-664-8525.
No details are available yet regarding Detective Ledesma's funeral arrangements. We will be sure to share that information as soon as plans have been made.
Wells Fargo
Account #9918672768
Contacts:
Detective Tami Gray - 480-782-4341 tami.gray@chandleraz.gov
Kathleen Smart - 480-782-4121 kathleen.smart@chandleraz.gov
