
The scene at Mackle Park on August 18th looked as if a mini-tornado had just come through. Debris littered the areas surrounding the basketball hoops. There were injured victims everywhere and fires had started at two different locations. Power lines were down and a victim was even found in a tree. This scene was the perfect scenario for the Marco Island Fire Department’s CERT training exercise. Approximately 30 city employees received certificates as Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) members after the successful completion of this training exercise.
To become a CERT member, one must take a 16-hour training course spread out into four sessions one time per week. Any civilian may take the course offered through the Marco Island Fire

City Manager, Jim Riviere, completed the course a few years ago and realized its significance. When he became City Manager he expressed his desire to have all city employees become CERT certified. “I don’t think there’s anything better you can do for your community. We are a target area for natural disasters, but this can also be useful in a situation such as a fender bender.”
Fire Chief, Mike Murphy would agree.

New CERT trainees, were not the only ones to take part in the training exercise at Mackle Park. Local kids from Camp Mackle were also involved in the exercise that put the classroom-taught skills of each CERT member to the test. Draped in yellow vests and wearing signs around their necks that stated their specific injuries, the kids of Camp Mackle played their roles as victims flawlessly. Many of the children wore fake injuries on their arms, legs, hands and stomachs to portray different types of injuries the CERT members must address. The children were very excited, pointing out their fake wounds to


The kids were scattered about the area around the basketball hoops and as the Certified Emergency Response Team arrived, the acting by the children began. Moans and wails could be heard as Kayla and her friends proved what great actors they were.
The team, all wearing orange vests, green backpacks and green hard hats, immediately assessed the situation. They divided into teams of four in order to break up responsibilities. A staging area was set up as well as a triage area.

Overall, the set-up was a success and there were minimal “fatalities.” After

Those who participated in the CERT program had positive reactions to their training. City Building Inspector, Gary Konicek, expressed that the amount of information learned seemed very valuable. However, “you never know how it will be in a real life emergency situation.” One trained CERT member from a previous class already knows that feeling. As Police Chief, Mike Murphy,


The Marco Island Fire Department will continue to offer CERT classes to city employees as well as civilians. The next class is scheduled for some time in the fall. To find out how to enroll, you may call the Marco Island Fire Department at 239-389-5040, or visit the city’s website, www.cityofmarcoisland.com. Information can be found at the fire rescue department page listed under the Government section.
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