Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District

The concept of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) originated in 1994 after it was created by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The CERT training provides an opportunity to grow partnerships between emergency services and the community that they serve. Fire Chief Mike Becker believes CERT provides an avenue through which our community members will be better prepared to deal with disasters.

The Community Emergency Response Team is comprised of approximately 70 Fort Myers Beach community members who volunteer their time to serve the community during disaster situations. The members are trained in first aid, CPR, AED, search and rescue, triage, and fire extinguisher operations.

Training for the CERT program occurs in both a classroom setting with many opportunities for hands on practice in practical field settings. For those who cannot attend the classroom sessions, an online version of the program is available. All training and materials for the CERT program are provided free of charge.

We invite all interested Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District residents to join the Fort Myers Beach CERT program. Becoming a CERT member is a great way to learn valuable disaster reaction skills while having the opportunity to help the community and meet new people. If you have any questions regarding the CERT program, feel free to contact the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District’s Public Information and Education Officer at 463-6163 ext. 233.