Princeton will soon have a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) thanks to the efforts of local organizer Steve Cutler and Fate resident Mike Ross.
CERT is an organization of volunteers who receive training in basic disaster and emergency response and assist emergency responders in the event of a disaster.
Ross, who has been a CERT member for 10 years, is the program manager for EastTex CERT, which serves Rockwall, Hunt, Collin, Kaufman and Van Zandt Counties.
EastTex CERT was established 11 years ago and focuses on rural communities that may not have the resources that larger cities such as McKinney have available. According to Ross, although they have a presence in Collin County, there was never anyone to act as the coordinator – until now.
“Steve is taking on that role and he’s been gangbusters going at it,” Ross said. “It’s not a new team, but it’s a new push.”
Cutler, who is also a volunteer firefighter in Branch, completed CERT training in March and said he jumped headfirst into the coordinator position.
“I’ve always been the type who wants to help out with emergencies and help other people in the community,” he said. “I’ve always had a passion for helping others in a time of need.”
Cutler said he wants to get people in the area to join CERT so there is a team in Princeton in the event of an emergency, such as a disaster or missing child.
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By Dustin Butler • [email protected]
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