Overview

The New Lenox Citizen Corps Council, working through the New Lenox Police Department, has developed and implemented the CERT program for the New Lenox community. This program has been launched in many communities throughout the state with the assistance of the Illinois Citizen Corps Council, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The CERT program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

The CERT course is taught in the community by a trained team of first responders who have completed a CERT Train-the-Trainer course conducted by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, fire safety/suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, CERT organization, disaster psychology, and terrorism. CERT training also includes a course review, written examination and a disaster-related exercise which tests basic CERT skills taught during the course.

Mission

Recognizing that first responders may not be available or will be delayed, trained members of the New Lenox Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will provide assistance to their families, neighbors and community in the aftermath of a disaster or major emergency. CERT members will assist with a response that utilizes efficiency, professionalism, and regard for human life, ensuring that all citizens are treated with compassion and dignity.

How to Join

Register for the April 2026 Class (Link) today!