News Details (Posted: November 23, 2009):

Jupiter Volunteers Train For Emergency Response

Full Description:

JUPITER, Fla. -- Jupiter police, fire rescue crews and the American Red Cross participated in a major search and rescue mission over the weekend.

On Jupiter Beach, they looked for victims of a mock plane landing on the ocean. The event was a drill for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), geared toward learning the safest and most efficient ways to respond to various emergencies.

"Once you're out here, you think about what if this happened, if I was actually out there," said Chase Greist, a CERT volunteer. "It's a possibility and a lot to think about. At least I'm trained for it."

Saturday's mission was the largest of three drills for the Jupiter CERT, which included different scenarios.

"They've trained in urban search and rescue, to search for missing children and Alzheimer's patients," said Jupiter Police Chief Frank Kitzerow. "These folks are trained in first aid, CPR, all kinds of things."

The equipment they're using comes from a federal agent through Homeland Security. A CERT official said they plan to hold more training exercises in the future.

"So far they're doing great," said Mary Anne Oblacyznski, Jupiter CERT president. "They're doing good, responding well and they're doing as they've been trained according to standard operatingJUPITER, Fla. -- Jupiter police, fire rescue crews and the American Red Cross participated in a major search and rescue mission over the weekend.

On Jupiter Beach, they looked for victims of a mock plane landing on the ocean. The event was a drill for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), geared toward learning the safest and most efficient ways to respond to various emergencies.

"Once you're out here, you think about what if this happened, if I was actually out there," said Chase Greist, a CERT volunteer. "It's a possibility and a lot to think about. At least I'm trained for it."

Saturday's mission was the largest of three drills for the Jupiter CERT, which included different scenarios.

"They've trained in urban search and rescue, to search for missing children and Alzheimer's patients," said Jupiter Police Chief Frank Kitzerow. "These folks are trained in first aid, CPR, all kinds of things."

The equipment they're using comes from a federal agent through Homeland Security. A CERT official said they plan to hold more training exercises in the future.

"So far they're doing great," said Mary Anne Oblacyznski, Jupiter CERT president. "They're doing good, responding well and they're doing as they've been trained according to standard operating procedures."

The Jupiter CERT expects to have 120 volunteers after the training, which will add a boost to the 110-strong police force's capabilities in responding to emergency situations.

Jupiter has one of several CERTS in the area. Other CERTS incl

ude Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Palm Beach County. Officials said they have a total of 2,900 trained volunteers.

People interested in joining CERT can contact Palm Beach County Emergency Management. procedures."

The Jupiter CERT expects to have 120 volunteers after the training, which will add a boost to the 110-strong police force's capabilities in responding to emergency situations.

Jupiter has one of several CERTS in the area. Other CERTS include Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Palm Beach County. Officials said they have a total of 2,900 trained volunteers.

People interested in joining CERT can contact Palm Beach County Emergency Management.