Sunnyvale Graduates New Classes in Public Safety and Emergency Response
Sunnyvale has recently celebrated the graduation of two significant programs aimed at enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness in the community. The Public Safety Citizens Academy and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy both concluded their training sessions, equipping participants with essential skills for emergency situations.
The Public Safety Citizens Academy saw its latest cohort graduate last month. Over six weeks, participants dedicated one evening each week to learning about Sunnyvale’s integrated public safety model, which combines police, fire, and emergency medical services into a cohesive department. The academy’s curriculum included a mix of lectures, tours, and hands-on training, covering vital topics such as emergency vehicle operations, fire suppression, defensive tactics, and use-of-force scenario training.
Mark Jorgensen, a lieutenant with Sunnyvale’s Public Safety Department, encourages residents to engage with the program. “It’s crucial for community members to understand how our public safety system operates and to be prepared for emergencies,” he stated. The academy is open to anyone aged 18 or older who lives or works in the Sunnyvale area, and it is held annually.
Meanwhile, the 67th class of the CERT academy also marked a milestone last month. Over an intensive eight-week period, participants delved into the fundamentals of disaster response, learning about team organization, first aid, fire safety, and search and rescue operations. This training culminated in a simulated disaster drill, allowing graduates to apply their newly acquired skills in a practical setting.
The CERT program, which is supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was established in response to the challenges faced by untrained volunteers during the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Its goal is to prepare community volunteers to respond safely and effectively to emergencies. Sunnyvale has embraced this initiative for the past 20 years, successfully training over 1,000 residents.
In addition to the longer CERT courses, the Office of Emergency Services in Sunnyvale also provides shorter classes focused on personal and household preparedness. Interested individuals can find a comprehensive list of available courses at SunnyvaleSERV.org/classes.
For further information regarding the Public Safety Citizens Academy or CERT programs, residents can reach out to Lt. Mark Jorgensen at [email protected] or Lt. Daniel Moskowitz at [email protected]. They can also call the Office of Emergency Services at 408-730-7198 for more details.
