BRICK – When there is a natural disaster or an emergency in the area, most think of the first responders who are trained to take on such operations. But what about the second responders?
“While we’re not first responders – we don’t run into burning buildings – we’re considered second responders. We’re there for the people who need help,” said Tom Zdyrski, President of Brick Township CERT.
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a volunteer organization that educates and trains people in basic disaster response skills. They receive extensive training in fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
The team will help assist first responders in emergency situations, but also help with non-emergency situations such as SummerFest, Trunk or Treat, and the Memorial Day Parade.
“We’re an extra set of eyes and ears,” Zdyrski noted.
When the program began in Brick Township 20 years ago, one of the members at the first CERT class in Brick was Judy Conway. Judy has volunteered with the team for the past two decades and was recently recognized for her dedication, as she is now retired from the group.
“I was an EMT in my hometown before I moved to Brick Township and I just wanted to get involved,” Judy said. “They have their own first aid squad, but I wanted to be involved in something different to help the community. So, when I heard about CERT, I decided to join.”
Judy recalled how one of the hardest emergencies she responded to was Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
“It was devastating. The flooding and everything,” Judy said. “We helped at different evacuation places and helped give out water and ice. Just stuff to help the people.”
“Some people think we are involved in everything – we’re not. We are the responders after the first aid squad. They are the major people; they are the front line. We help at the back end. If they need us, they’ll call us,” Judy added.
Judy’s favorite memory of CERT is being with other members and working together.
“It made you feel good, that you could trust one another, do things together and talk about it afterwards. That’s the warm feeling,” Judy said. “It was a joy and an honor to be a part of. It’s an honor because we’re helping people, and that’s what I like about CERT… The most fun I have is going to the SummerFest. I love going to them and helping out.”
“Judy was great to work with. Judy was one of the very first CERT members. I was the founding and current president, and Judy was right there from the start,” Zdyrski said. “Judy was one of our best CERT members. She would show up to most of the events we had and always had a great smile; easy to work with.”
“Her infectious laugh and good humor were always positive. She had a way of making people feel comfortable,” Zdyrski added.
Now that she’s retired from CERT, Judy said she’s currently involved with her retirement community and plans to travel in her RV.
“I just feel, now that I’m 82 years old, to let the young ones do it now,” Judy said. “I wish more people would take a look at CERT and realize they’re helping the community.”
If you are interested in joining CERT, you must be 18 years old. There is a nine-week training period.
“Anyone who is interested in policing, this would be great as it gets them familiar with a lot of the terms, the communication, and get them the visibility they need to look good on their resume,” said Zdyrski.
Contact Joseph J. Pawlowicz Jr. for details: joepawlowicz@brickpd.com. More information about CERT can be found on their website: bricknjcert.samariteam.com.
