Building Strong, Resilient Communities

Community service and emergency preparedness are vital to building strong, resilient communities. By dedicating time and effort to helping others and planning for potential crises, individuals enhance the well-being of those around them and foster their own personal growth. In times of need, preparedness and service can mean the difference between chaos and stability, making these efforts essential for a thriving and secure community.

I am a sophomore in high school and a certified member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), having completed my training in December 2023 with CERT Team 186. Initially, I joined CERT as an intriguing activity to do with my dad. Coming out of COVID, I have to admit that the thought of having some mastery over an emergency situation brought me comfort. As the course went on, I became deeply invested in learning how I could potentially bring relief in an emergency.

Beyond the basic CERT training, I took CERT Advanced First Aid and Simple Machines: Leveraging and Cribbing classes. Through my CERT trainings, I learned how to respond to both small-scale emergencies and large-scale disasters. I gained knowledge in first aid, stroke safety, and search and rescue, as well as hands-on practice in life-saving techniques. I participated in high-stress drills that simulated real emergencies, allowing us to practice patient assessment and teamwork in chaotic environments.

A highlight of my CERT training was when my younger sister volunteered to be a victim actor, impaled and stranded in an abandoned house. I had the opportunity to find her and carry her on a stretcher. Being in a drill like this gave me familiarity and confidence in what would undoubtedly be a stressful and harrowing real-life experience. This hands-on experience made me realize how physically demanding emergency response can be and how many people are needed to transport an injured person safely. The drills gave me a newfound appreciation for first responders and the importance of teamwork during crises. More profoundly, I let myself believe for a moment that the fake blood was real, and it struck me that without the others there to help me, I wouldn’t be able to carry my sister to safety. I knew then that being in CERT is as much for me as it is for the people I’m trying to help.

CERT has given me a strong sense of purpose. It showed me that people from all neighborhoods, districts, and cities come together to learn these skills to assist during emergencies. The camaraderie among CERT members is inspiring—we are all working toward a common goal of making our county safer. My interactions with current CERT leaders have shown me the lasting impact of a lifelong commitment to community service, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to train alongside dedicated individuals who prioritize safety.

Being part of CERT has been a transformative experience, equipping me with life-saving skills while strengthening my connection to the community. This program benefits not only its volunteers but also our neighborhoods by ensuring more people are prepared for emergencies. Starting this journey of public service at a young age lays the groundwork for further strengthening this connection into adulthood. While many of the current CERT leaders take time from their busy workday to serve, I also observed that many leaders are retired government or military workers who freely give their time and energy. They demonstrate that public service should be a lifelong passion. I’ve learned that every young person can’t just wait for this burden to serve to suddenly spring up from within their heart but sometimes you have to take a step forward and you’ll be surprised how the heart follows after your feet. More than anything, our youth need the opportunity to join programs like CERT because the return on investment goes beyond what can be calculated. I believe it produces a lifestyle of service and a passion to help others that will extend well past our youth.

I strongly encourage the Fairfax County Board to continue supporting the CERT program. The skills taught in CERT training are invaluable, and the program fosters a culture of preparedness that makes Fairfax safer and stronger. Investing in CERT means investing in the resilience and well-being of our citizens, encouraging a culture of service within our youth, and ensuring we are ready to face any emergency together.