How We Work
The Van Wert County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) operates as a volunteer resource to support emergency services and the community during incidents, planned events, and times of need.
Dispatch & Activation
Our team may be activated through:
- Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department
- Van Wert Police Department
- Van Wert County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
- Or by direct request through CERT Chairman Matt Saunier or EMA Director Rick McCoy
When requested, CERT members are notified via our internal alerting system and respond based on availability and assignment.
What We Do
CERT provides trained volunteer support across a variety of missions, including:
- Traffic Control: Assisting law enforcement and fire services at crash scenes, fires, or public events to maintain safety and access.
- Canteen Operations: Supplying water, food, and cooling or warming stations for first responders and displaced residents.
- Search & Volunteer Coordination: Assisting in organizing and deploying volunteers during missing-person searches or community recovery efforts.
- Case Work & Community Assistance: Working with affected families after incidents such as fires or storms to connect them with essential resources and recovery support.
- Public Outreach & Education: Supporting preparedness events, safety fairs, and training to help residents be ready before emergencies happen.
Our Role
CERT operates under the direction of the Van Wert County EMA and in coordination with local public-safety agencies. Our goal is to enhance community resilience, supplement first responders, and provide compassionate support to those impacted by emergencies.