Trenton, NJ - Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, Personnel Commissioner Ida L. Castro and Secretary of State Regena L. Thomas are proud to announce that, as a part of this year's national Make a Difference Day campaign, Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) training will be offered to New Jersey's State employees.

"When disaster strikes, the difference between tragedy and triumph is preparation and training," said Attorney General Peter Harvey. "By providing C.E.R.T. training, we are helping to ensure that State employees are well prepared and able to assist when people need it most."

The Citizen Corp C.E.R.T. Program consists of twenty hours of training over an eight-week period and encompasses such modules as Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Fire Suppression, Disaster Medical Operation, and Disaster Psychology. It is presented by certified trainers with the New Jersey State Police, Office of Emergency Management, and provides employees with the information, resources and skills necessary to effectively respond and assist in times of emergency. Programs will be held at selected participating state agencies during business hours in an effort to enable more people to participate and be prepared.

"New Jersey's public employees work to make a difference every day, every way," said, Commissioner Ida Castro. "In times of crisis, coordination is the key. I am proud to join with my colleagues and fellow commissioners in this initiative. Offering our employees this important training gives them the tools to do better what their hearts would have them do anyway."

"Make a Difference Day is the nation's largest day of service," Secretary of State Thomas stated. "What better way for public servants to serve than to volunteer their time and talent to help others. That is what this program is all about."

For over a decade, Make a Difference Day has involved millions of Americans volunteering to help make the world a better place. USA Weekend is the sponsor of Make a Difference Day, in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation and actor Paul Newman.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds the Citizen Corp C.E.R.T. Program. There are currently 35 C.E.R.T. teams in the State of New Jersey. The first team was founded in Ewing Township in 1996.

For additional information on the C.E.R.T. Program or to learn about the availability of C.E.R.T. training in your community, contact your County Office of Emergency Management; visit the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management Website at www.state.nj.us/njoem or call 800-887-CERT-411. Volunteers are currently being recruited.

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