Crime & Safety

New Teen Emergency Responders Add Preparedness

Nine Eureka High School students received their Teen CERT graduation certificates Tuesday night at the Eureka board of aldermen meeting from the Eureka Police Department and Eureka Fire Protection District.

Should an emergency ever hit Eureka High School, nine students now are prepared to assist with fires, disasters, rescues and even terrorism.

The following nine students graduated Saturday from the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, and received their certificates Tuesday evening from city officials at the Eureka board of aldermen meeting:

  • Heather Arnett, ninth grade
  • Samantha Arnett, 11th grade
  • Emily Buatois, 10th grade
  • Michael Krupa, 11th grade
  • Cody Lafata, 10th grade
  • Ashley Pfeiffer, 10th grade
  • Mike Smith, 11th grade
  • Pari Stocker, 10th grade
  • Molly Taylor, 10th grade

The program is conducted jointly by the and the . It is designed to teach individuals what to do in situations when professional responders are not immediately available to help. "Students completed 24 hours of training," said Eureka Police Chief Michael Wiegand. "They do some training after school, some on half days of school, and then we usually conclude with a five-hour session on a Saturday."

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Wiegand said last Saturday the students handled a mock disaster hosted at , complete with saving other students.

Eureka Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Randy Gabel said the core Teen CERT program has three goals: to provide students with knowledge that is based on the effects of natural and man-made disasters; to build problem solving skills and strategies; and to help students make informed decisions regarding readiness, response and recovery, as well as mitigation efforts to reduce the loss of life and property. 

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An integral part of the Teen CERT program is providing students with hands-on training using reality-driven drills and exercises.

Wiegand said student outreach starts with the school resource officer (SRO), Mike Smith. He also said students must have their parents' permission to participate in the program.

In many cases, students' parents have completed the adult CERT program, Wiegand said. "Students, however, receive first aid and CPR training that the adults don't. This is lifesaving training, and they receive a Heartsaver card, which is valid for two years," he said.

"The Teen CERT program is a good education for students, their involvement is beneficial to the school, and these graduates are definitely an asset to our community," said Wiegand.

Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey told the students he and the other city representatives were "proud of them for making the community a better and safer place."

"This is not a rubber-stamp program. It is a leadership program, and we know parts of it are difficult. Thank you for being individuals who are better prepared for emergencies," said Coffey.


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