STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Port Richmond Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was honored by the NYPD’s 121st Precinct Community Council at a recent meeting.
The group garnered recognition at the Oct. 13 meeting for its service to the community and for assisting and helping detectives in search and rescue operations.
Steven Clohessy, team and division chief of Port Richmond CERT, said the honor was a “feel good moment” for him and other members of the team.
“This is a great group of people — everyone is like-minded and just wants to help any way they can,” he added.
The team consists of 56 members who are trained in emergency preparedness, fire suppression, triage, traffic control and medical operations. The group’s mission is to inform, educate and train the residents of Staten Island on how to prepare during disasters and emergencies.
This year, the Port Richmond CERT has worked alongside police on three missing person searches.
“They reach out to us; we go out to the areas they would like us to search. We try to assist them as best as possible,” Clohessy said.
Clohessy said the team’s combined experience and training in woodland searches helps them in certain situations.
“It’s not the turnout you want, but at least there is closure for the family,” the chief said.
More recently, during Hurricane Ida, Edward Arale, the neighborhood and liaison officer for the group, was involved in the rescue of a woman trapped in floodwaters.
Diane Hesterhagen, vice president of the 121st Precinct Community Council, praised the group for its long-standing service to the Staten Island community.
“They’ve been on the Island for over 18 years; they’ve been a fixture in the community, doing some great work,” she said. “The volunteers really step up and do whatever’s asked of them.”
Hesterhagen, who is also the principal at Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, said she has worked with the group on a CERT program that involves members visiting area schools, teaching students ways to be prepared in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. One exercise includes making a to-go bag in the event you had leave your house for an extended period.
“I think it is awesome for the children and they really seem to enjoy it,” Hesterhagen said.
Group actively looking for more recruits
Clohessy said the group is looking for new recruits in the community.
“I can’t say enough how great this team is, if anyone is interested in joining, we’ll meet with you and get you going in the direction,” he said. “If you have the heart to do this, we will find something for you — nothing is stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”
CERT, a non-profit organization, is also accepting donations to ensure it can continue its work and cover out-of-pocket expenses.
The division chief said the team is compromised of members from all walks of life. The team will accept prospective recruits from age 18 up. Members undergo initial CERT training and continued awareness-level training through the Ready NY program.
“We want to make sure that (Staten Island) residents know we are out there, are available, and are taking care of things,” Clohessy said.
For more information on joining the Port Richmond CERT, email portrichcert@gmail.com or call 917-597-2718.
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October 18, 2021 at 04:30PM
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From Ida rescues to searches for missing S.I. residents: Emergency response team honored for its efforts. - SILive.com
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