Community Emergency Response Team Achieves Top Challenge Scores

Congratulations to our New Lenox CERT team for a job well-done. The team participated in the 3rd Annual Prairie State CERT Challenge Team, which was held Sept. 29.

The event was held at a Glenview training facility for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency management professional and other first-responders.  in lenview, IL that trains fire fighters, law enforcement officers, emergency management professionals and other first responders.

The New Lenox CERT team achieved an excellent rating. Dan Martin, public safety division chief for New Lenox Police Department, said, "I can’t tell you of how proud I am of each of them.  Each team member trained and prepared for the event which undoubtedly led to their success."

The New Lenox CERT 2012 team members are: Dale Alexander, Trish Buhle, Adam Bulthuis, Gary Cook, Sean Egan, Randy Halach, Jon Heyer, Dave Lauer,   Allison Novorolsky, John Opoka and Maureen Tamborski.

Martin explained that there were 10 teams that participated this year’s event and for the 3rd straight year we scored in the top three. 

This year’s top scoring teams were Will County (729), Chicago (724) and New Lenox (699).

Upon reflection, Martin said, "a missed bonus (CERT) Jeopardy question worth 25-points and a couple points here and there kept our team out of the top spot. 

"No matter. Our team did fantastic and much like our previous two teams (2010 & 2011), they’ve brought credit and recognition to our community and to our program."

Through the experience, Martin said, the teamed learned some valuable emergency and disaster training by participating in this event.

"When emergency or disaster strikes our community, these folks are better prepared to respond. That equates to saving lives and preventing injuries," boasted Martin.

Dan Martin, public safety division chief New Lenox Police Department, contributed the story.