In 2007, the City of Brook Park implemented the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program with the expectation that it will be a valuable asset to our community. The CERT serves a critical support role to the First Responders of the city in the event of a disaster either natural or manmade. The CERT will perform many tasks which will complement the response of the Police, Fire and Service Departments. Some of these tasks may include: search and rescue, administration of basic first aid, conducting emergency shelter operations, and working with public utilities. These responsibilities will require individuals of various ages, skills, and abilities, so we encourage all residents, 18 years of age and older, to apply.

The first step to becoming a member of the City of Brook Park CERT is to complete the application form (click the CERT application link below). Once you have completed the application, please return it to the Brook Park Fire Station #3 at 17401 Holland Road (across from the Recreation Center).

All applicants for the CERT Program must undergo a criminal background check prior to final approval. The Brook Park Police Department will conduct the background check. Once your application is received and approved, we will send you a confirmation letter with the dates and times to go to the Police Department to be fingerprinted for your background check.

Once you receive final approval, you must complete a 20-hour CERT training program (click the CERT Brochure Link for more information about the 9 training modules) prior to becoming an active member. The classes will be held at the Brook Park Recreation Center usually in January and October at various days and times in hopes of accommodating your schedule.

We also have CERT Members from Berea and Middleburg Hgts – as we have all 3 Cities combine for Training, call outs for assistance etc.

The following paragraph provides a brief history of how CERT Program came to be:
“The Community Emergency Response Team concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs. As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees.”
(From: https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about)

For more information regarding the roles and responsibilities for CERT members, please visit the following website: https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/.

Thank you for your interest in serving our community.

Liability Protection
Ohio Revised Code 121.404 provides liability protection to registered Ohio Citizen Corps (including Ohio Medical Reserve Corps) volunteers during local, state or federally declared emergencies, disasters, drills and trainings. The statute also exempts a registered volunteer’s personal information on the Ohio Citizen Corps Database from public disclosure.

Click here for more information on Ohio Revised Code 121.404
CERT members who have completed the 20-hour training course can register with Ohio Citizen Corps to be protected under Ohio Revised Code 121.404.