Burnet County CERT holds terrorism training, begins new volunteer class

BY GLYNIS CRAWFORD SMITH
THE HIGHLANDER
A training session on terrorism will be held Saturday, July 30, for local residents who are already members of Burnet County's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Everyone interested in becoming part of the team is invited to register now for the next CERT training class.
In a county of 2,021 square miles, a serious disaster could prevent many from travel or access to emergency services. Community reliance for safety and rescue is goal of the CERT and the most recent class of 32 graduates has brought the total to 173 of volunteers trained for action.
The class June 30 will be conducted 9 a.m.-noon at the Marble Falls Fire Rescue Building, 700 Avenue N in Marble Falls. The terrorism training will include scenario training and a focus on the appropriate medical response to terrorist acts involving firearms and gunshot wounds.
The instructors will Mark E. McCary and CERT instructor Robin Richter. McCary is a frequent instructor for new class members providing a current update on terrorism along with an overview of terrorist threats, tactics, and appropriate CERT responses. The U.S. Air Force veteran, as a  "quiet professional" has served both on Active and Reserve duty for many years with the Air Force Special Operations Community.  There he developed foundational expertise on U.S. counterterrorism issues and a knowledge of global terrorist groups and networks. Richter, who has extensive experience in the medical field, will conduct the medical portion of the training.
“We are just starting enrollment for CERT Class 8, which will be held from Sept. 15-Nov. 10, said Jim Barho, Burnet County emergency management coordinator (EMC). “Class sessions will be held on Thursday nights from 7-10 p.m. at either Marble Falls Fire Rescue or the Burnet Community Center, based on student enrollment.”
Anyone interested can register online at the website www.burnetcountycert.org.
No previous training or certification is required to join the team of informed citizens who make up a CERT. The program provides education in disaster preparedness for hazards that may have an impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
The concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs. As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees.
In 1993 the training became available nationally by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), now part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Since then, communities in 28 states and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training.
Locally, Barho coordinates with a board of directors that manage the program. Members are Mary Jane Shanes, chairwoman; Dan Posey, vice chairman; Donna Whitecotton, secretary; James “Jim” Gallagher, training officer, and Vee Brown, webmaster.