Matlacha-Pine Island Cert teams hold meet and greet at fire station
Special to The Eagle
On Monday, Aug. 13, the Matlacha-Pine Island CERT teams held a “meet and greet” meeting at Pine Island Fire Station #3 in Bokeelia. Approximately 30 members attended from all four teams. The teams consist of members from St. James City, Pine Island Center, Bokeelia and Matlacha. Members were briefed on the latest training news, both past and future, and due to an influx of new members a “meet and greet ” session was held. All were reminded that hurricane season is here and everyone should be prepared in case an event should occur.
Pine Islands’ “Community Emergency Response Team” is a unit consisting of Matlacha and Pine Islanders trained to respond to emergency situations and assist safety forces in helping fellow Pine Islanders as conditions dictate, such as in hurricanes, plane crashes, fires, and any other situation where additional emergency personnel are needed. CERT members respond in uniform only when activated by the Fire Chief and will act only on his orders and those of Team Leaders on the scene. All CERT members are volunteers and receive no compensation. We meet and train regularly.
Cert members are trained in fire fighting, traffic control, search and rescue, first aid, and triage. If you would like to help your fellow islanders and assist safety forces in times of emergency, you can join CERT by coming to Fire Station #1 at the Center, and pick up a application. You will be assigned to a team, issued a uniform, equipment bag, Participant Manual, ID card, a sticker for your car, and participate in training secessions. Your help will be much appreciated should an emergency occur.
Certified instructor Debbie Iannucci will be conducting classes on CPR (Cardio, pulmonary, resuscitation) and those attending will receive Certification. Non-Cert members can also attend and obtain Certification for a fee of $20, which will go into CERT’s emergency fund to be used in case of a call-up or to purchase needed equipment. Non-Cert members wishing to attend one of these classes are required to call Debbie Iannucci at 283-7890, and set up an appointment.
CERT is in need of funds and your response to our plea is greatly appreciated. If you are a non-profit organization, your donations are tax deductible. Checks may be made out to “Matlacha-Pine Island C.E.R.T.” and mailed to C.E.R.T. in c/o the Pine Island Fire Department, 5700 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922.