Lisa Peebles, a Rowlett CERT volunteer, teaches the Medical Operations Unit Saturday, March 7, to Sachse CERT participants using Griffan Stegman as the mock victim. Allison LaBrot/The Sachse News

Area residents looking to strengthen their ability to respond during emergencies completed the second day of the two-day training for Sachse Community Emergency Response Team Saturday, March 7. The first session was held Saturday, Feb. 28.

The two-day course, known as FEMA’s G-317 CERT training, prepares community members to assist their families, neighbors and communities during disasters when professional responders may not immediately be available.

The class was led by Sachse CERT Program Manager Tricia Lindsey and included 11 participants — 10 new trainees and one returning for refresher training.

Sachse’s CERT program, formed by the City of Sachse in 2006 and later established as a nonprofit under the Sachse Citizen Corps Council in 2016, focuses on educating residents about disaster preparedness and basic emergency response skills.

During opening remarks, Lindsey thanked participants for committing time to become more prepared citizens and noted the FEMA-based curriculum has been used locally for about two decades.

“This program helps people understand how to protect themselves and assist others during emergencies,” Lindsey told attendees.

CERT training covers a range of topics designed to prepare volunteers for disaster situations. Day one of the course focused on disaster preparedness, team organization, severe weather, fire safety and suppression, disaster psychology and terrorism awareness.

The second day emphasized more hands-on skills, including light search and rescue techniques, cribbing, radio communications and disaster medical operations. 

“Those units cover everything from items you should have on hand to more advanced topics such as how to safely search inside a building to rescue a person,” Lindsey said.

Participants also completed a review and written test before finishing the course with a two-hour capstone exercise, allowing trainees to practice response techniques in a realistic environment.

Scouts from Plano Troop 285 portrayed the victims for the capstone exercise said Lindsey. CERT member Tom Barlow did the moulage — makeup, props, mock injuries — to the Scouts. 

“The students did a great job demonstrating their newly acquired skills during the capstone, which stimulated an electrical fire caused by a failed Jumbotron installation resulting in no electricity and outside communication in the building,” Lindsey said.

Several instructors and volunteers with professional and technical expertise assisted with the training. They included Brian McDonough, who has experience in disaster preparedness and FEMA operations; assistant director Michael Paroski, who became involved following the 2016 Rowlett tornado; Mark Monte, who shared expertise on apartment preparedness; Valencia Doughty; Cullen King, serving as animal services coordinator; Greg Kent, who supports information technology, logistics and ham radio communications; and Eric Vines, who assists with logistics.

The program teaches residents how to respond safely during emergencies by performing tasks such as light search and rescue, basic medical assistance and communication with professional responders. Participants also learn how to assess building damage, assist victims and promote disaster preparedness among residents and businesses.

Completing the course earns participants a FEMA G-317 certificate, which is recognized nationwide. Graduates who live or work in Sachse or surrounding communities may choose to join the city’s CERT response team after completing an orientation session and background check, though volunteering as a responder is optional.

“So far we have two new responder applications turned in to further assist the Sachse community,” Lindsey said.

Sachse CERT currently has 32 active members who assist the city with a variety of duties, including supporting community events, helping with damage assessments and assisting firefighters during rehabilitation operations.

CERT teams also support preparedness efforts beyond their local communities.

“We will be integrating with other CERT teams around the metroplex with event support during the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Lindsey said.  

To learn more about the program, email [email protected].

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