The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Corps is offering a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy starting Thursday, October 9.
The academy aims to teach residents how to help during disasters and emergencies.
The hands-on program includes six in-person classes over two weekends, with training in disaster preparedness, fire safety, basic emergency medical care, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and terrorism awareness.
No prior experience is required. Adults 18 and older can sign up, and children aged 16–17 may participate with permission from a parent.
Sessions will be held at the Regional Public Safety Training Center located at 5190 Spectrum Boulevard in Reno.
The schedule includes classes on Thursday and Friday evenings and full-day sessions on both Saturdays.
- Thursday, October 9 ~ 6 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, October 10 ~ 6 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, October 11 ~ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, October 16 ~ 6 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, October 17 ~ 6 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, October 18 ~ 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Graduates will gain essential emergency response skills and become eligible to volunteer with the Sheriff’s Office Citizen Corps, which includes the Community Emergency Response Team, the Rail Auxiliary Team, and the Citizens Homeland Security Council.
More than 300 people currently serve in the WCSO Citizen Corps, providing support at local events like the Reno Rodeo and Reno Balloon Races, and assisting with traffic control, first aid, and emergency response efforts.
Applications for the CERT Academy must be submitted by Tuesday, October 7. To enroll, visit www.washoesheriff.com/CERT.
