The Mission of the Citizen Corps is to harness the Power of
every individual through education, training and
volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. Goals for Citizen Corps Councils
The Citizen Corps mission will be accomplished through a national network of state, local, and tribal Citizen Corps Councils, which will tailor activities to the community and build on community strengths to develop and implement a local strategy to have every American participate through:
• Personal responsibility: Developing a household preparedness plan and disaster supplies kits, observing home health and safety practices, implementing disaster mitigation measures, and participating in crime prevention and reporting.
• Training: Taking training classes in emergency preparedness, response capabilities, first aid, CPR, fire suppression, and search and rescue procedures.
• Volunteer service: Engaging individuals in volunteer activities that support first responders, disaster relief groups, and community safety organizations. Everyone can do something to support local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, community public health efforts, and the four stages of emergency management: prevention, mitigation response and recovery efforts.
Community Emergency Response Training - Sept. 2008
CERT Training is a FREE Community Preparedness course that includes both academic and hands-on instruction. The course will meet at the Town of Tonawanda Fire Training Tower Classroom, (70 Fire Tower Drive), located off of Two Mile Creek Road in the Town of Tonawanda. The nine (9) class course starts on Monday, September 13, 2010 and continues on Monday evenings (6:00-9:00 PM) followed by a Saturday course review and simulated disaster training exercise on November 13, 2010. Participants should plan to attend all sessions.
CERT Training prepares you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Emergency personnel may not be able to help everyone immediately and you can make a difference by using CERT Training to save lives and protect property. CERT Training topics include:
Disaster Preparedness: Disasters & Disaster Workers, Community Preparedness Emergency Medical Operations I: Triage & Treating Life Threatening Injuries Emergency Medical Operations II Public Health Considerations & Patient Treatment Fire Safety: Fire Chemistry, Fire Hazards, Fire Safety, & Fire Suppression Light Search and Rescue: Search & Rescue Size-up and Operations CERT Organization and Incident Command (ICS 100) Disaster Psychology: Impact of Disaster on Rescuers & Victims and Its Mitigation Terrorism & CERT: Terrorism & its Goals; CERT Protocols for Terrorism Incidents Disaster Simulation Training Exercise: Course Review & Hands-on Exercise
Through personal education, training and volunteer service, every individual can help make their community safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the hazards of weather, terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. Preregistration is required. Register NOW!
Participants must be at least 16 years of age, attend all nine class sessions, and register as a Border Community SERVICE Volunteer.
For more information or to enroll please contact:
Jess Martin, Citizen Corps Coordinator,
Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University at (716) 286-8306 or e-mail: jmartin@niagara.edu You can also register online and/or view a CERT Community Briefing at:
www.niagara.edu/BCS-enrollment
Emergency Response Team News - Sept. 2008
This week during National Preparedness Month, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) encourages Grand Island residents to gather emergency supplies for their Go Bags and emergency supply kits. Both should have items like water, flashlights, and a first-aid kit, but Go Bags must be easy to carry and emergency supply kits can be larger and kept in a safe place in the home. Emergency Supply Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight-saving times.
• One gallon of drinking water per person per day
• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
• First aid kit
• Flashlight*
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (you can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries)
• Whistle
• Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
• Personal hygiene items: soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
• Phone that does not rely on electricity
• Child care supplies or other special care items Go Bag
Every household should pack a Go Bag - a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation. A Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. A Go Bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.
• Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.)
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Credit and ATM cards and cash, especially in small denominations.
• Bottled water and non-perishable food such as energy or granola bars
• Flashlight
--- Note: Traditional flashlight bulbs have limited lifespans. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to
10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
• Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Medication information and other essential personal items. If you store extra medication in your Go Bag, be sure to refill it before it expires.
• First-aid kit
• Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map
• Child care supplies or other special care items
Cert Training - 2010
A free Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course will be held in Wheatfield beginning Monday, February 15, 2010 at the Community Center on Church Rd and continuing through Saturday, March 27, 2010. The class will run six consecutive Monday evenings (6:30-9:30pm) and two Saturdays, March 6 and March 27 (9am-2pm). See
CERT Training - Complete Information.
Emergency Response Team Meeting - Oct. 2008
The next meeting of the Grand Island Community Emergency Response Team
will be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at McMahon's Family
Restaurant, 1849 Grand Island Blvd. "Bring an
appetite, and BRING A FRIEND!" Those who may be interested in
joining GI CERT, are invited to attend and find out about this very important organization.
Those planning on attending are asked to RSVP to chairman@grandislandfire.us or
call 609-3574.
Grand Island Citizen Corps Council Tours Border Patrol Headquarters - June 2008
(left photo) CERT team members Carlie-Jo McMahon, Kimberly McMahon, Madonna Scott, Joe McMahon (Hidden), Jack Guenther and Sam Santospirito signing in for the Tour (right photo) Members of the CERT and Citizen Corps Council listening to the explanation by Victor G. Mish By Dan McMahon
Under the direction of Chairman Frank Brusino, approximately 15 members of the Grand Island CERT and Citizen Corps Council toured the new U.S. Border Patrol Buffalo Sector Headquarters in Grand Island Tuesday evening, June 3. Assistant Chief Patrol Agent V. Gregory Mish, Buffalo Sector Headquarters, along with Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Stuart Woodside and Director of Marine Operations Thomas Rockwood, gave a presentation of the Border Patrol’s mission, operations, along with some useful hints for operating watercraft in International waters. A slide presentation included some alarming statistics. In 1983 there were approximately 2500 patrol agents nation wide and today there are over 15,000 agents and the number is growing. The Buffalo Sector is responsible for the 341 miles of coastline covering all of Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and part of Lake Erie along with the land area from the Canadian border to North Carolina. Their mission is to protect our borders against illegal entry of people, drugs, terrorists and terrorism. Along with marine operations, agents also patrol our airports, bus terminals and train stations. Cameras and other intelligence gathering equipment assist the agents in their mission, but as Agent Mish stressed, the public is their biggest asset in combating illegal entry into the United States. The Border Patrol works with the Coast Guard and many local law enforcement agencies throughout the sector’s area. CPA Agent Mish provided some very impressive statistics for the Buffalo sector, 44% more apprehension, and 34% of all apprehensions along the Northern Border. There were 51 apprehensions from special interest countries and 101 Federal Criminal Prosecutions.
Following the presentation the group was given a tour of the facility and an overview of the communications center.
The Border Patrol asks if anyone observes any unusual activity along the borders to call 1-800-331-0353 and report it. The increase of agents across the US has resulted in better coverage and more of the stations are now manned around the clock. Along with the increase of agents there is still a need for more agents every day. To begin a career, with the Border Patrol apply here.
Community Emergency Response Training Class - Sept. 2007
A Community Emergency Response Training Class is set to begin September 10, 2007 and will run until the end of October. Classes are being held Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. All classes will be held at the Timothy Goff Public Safety Training Center on Fire Tower Road off of Two Mile Creek.
Topics covered will include Fire Safety, Search and Rescue, Emergency Medical Operations, and most importantly, Emergency Preparedness. Space is limited, and filling up fast. Contact Heather Johnson immediately at hjohnson@tonawanda.ny.us or by phone at 879-6606.
Grand Island CERT Team Meeting - March 2007
The Grand Island CERT Team wil hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2007 at Grand Island Town Hall. All CERT Team members are encouraged to attend!
Free Emergency Preparedness Training On Grand Island -
Citizen Corps Council Meeting - Volunteers Needed - 2006
Grand Island Citizens Corps Council is looking for a few good volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT training program prepares local citizens to be ready to respond during emergency situations in their community. As everyone saw during the recent October snowstorm, many individuals were not prepared for the conditions and weather. Citizens of each community can learn to be ready for such emergencies. A Grand Island CERT training class begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2007 at Fire Headquarters, 2275 Baseline Road, Grand Island. For registration and information contact the Border Community Service Project of Niagara University at 716 205-0070 or 205-0074 or by e-mail: nbb@niagara.edu or nch@niagara.edu
Click CERT Meeting for complete information.
CERT Team Manages Emergency Shelter Center - October 2006
Shown from left front are Sidway School Cook Manager Sue McMahon, Cert team members Laura Waltman and Nicole Gerber; (middle row) Julia Largo's son, Michael, Marvalles Brooks, CERT Team Leader Nancy Koch, RN Julia Largo from Niagara Falls CERT, Rob Soluri, Jr.; (back) Scott Perry (GI School custodial staff), Arnie Beck (Sidway Custodial staff) and Dennis Donovan, School Lunch Manager.
Dan McMahon Photo and story - Click for larger view
The Grand Island CERT Team was activated on Friday, October 13, 2006 when a considerable part of Grand Island lost power and downed power lines forced families out of their homes.
Sidway School was set up as an emergency center around 3 p.m. Friday, for those people and families needing a warm, dry place to spend some time. The cafeteria was opened with food and drinks available. Marvalles was the only citizen in the Center at the time of the picture.
Due to the small number of people showing up, Sidway's emergency shelter center was closed early Saturday morning.
Citizen Corps Council Picnic - September 2006
Shown from left are Barbara Fritchie, Hank Carroll, Laurel Waltman-Moher, Councilman Dick Crawford and Training Coordinator Steven Stouter
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for larger view
The Grand Island Citizen Corps Council, the Town Board and the CERT Team members met Tuesday evening, September 12, 2006 at the Buffalo Launch club for a Pot Luck Picnic. Members of the Town Board added their thanks on behalf of the citizens of Grand Island for their efforts to achieve the goals of the Citizens Corps Council, "Are You Prepared?." Everyone enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and salads. A short meeting followed where the years activities were recapped. The CERT team has participated in many training events around the area this past year as well as their own regular training schedule each month. For more information on becoming a CERT team member, click Citizens Corps Council News Page.
Avian Flu Is Focus Of Citizen Corps Council Meeting - 2006
Avian Flu and was the main topic of the Grand Island Citizen Corps Council during its Tuesday, June 6th meeting in the Town Hall. Chairman Frank Brusino presented a series of Questions and Answers on the subject that were obtained from the Center of Disease Control (CDC). While reviewing the frequently asked questions, Frank reported, "We can stay reasonably healthy by maintaining personal hygiene practices wherever we go and frequent washing one's hands with soap and water is the best prevention." More information may be found at the CDC's web site, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/qa.htm.
How do people become infected with avian influenza viruses? The response from the Center of Disease Control: "Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by their feces, is presently considered the main route of human infection. To date, most human cases have occurred in rural or periurban areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely, sometimes entering homes or sharing outdoor areas where children play. As infected birds shed large quantities of virus in their feces, opportunities for exposure to infected droppings or to environments contaminated by the virus are abundant under such conditions. Moreover, because many households in Asia depend on poultry for income and food, many families sell or slaughter and consume birds when signs of illness appear in a flock, and this practice has proved difficult to change. Exposure is considered most likely during slaughter, defeathering, butchering, and preparation of poultry for cooking."
The Citizens Corps Council will continue to update information as it becomes available.
Island CERT Team, Scouts To Emergency Preparedness Course - 2006
CERT Training includes both academic and hands-on instruction. A CERT Training class will meet at the Grand Island Fire Hall, 2275 Baseline Road from 7-9:30 p.m. for a series of seven Thursday evenings. Topics include:
• Emergency Preparedness (February 16)
• Fire Safety (February 23
• Emergency Medical Operations I & II (March 2 & 9)
• Light Search & Rescue (March 16)
• Disaster Psychology (March 23)
• Terrorism and CERT Team Organization (March 30)
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and committed to attending all 7 classes and to participate in the Disaster Simulation Training exercise from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at the Erie County Fire Academy in Cheektowaga. Participants receive a participant's manual and a CERT Kit: a back pack containing a hard hat, safety vest, work gloves, a flashlight, safety goggles, and other emergency response tools.
Pre-registration is required. To enroll or get more information, contact: Border Community Service at 716-205-0070. For additional information click www.niagara.edu/bordercommunityservice.
Citizens Corps Council Hears Eagle Scout Tim Burns Speak On Emergency Preparedness Project - January 2006 Eagle Scout Tim Burns with Island Citizen Corps Council Chairman Frank Brusino
Dan McMahon Photo
Tim Burns, an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop #630, delivered a presentation to the Grand Island Citizens Corps Council, on his Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge. A junior at the Grand Island High School, Tim spoke of the requirements needed to earn an Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, a prerequisite for Eagle Scout rank. Tim was awarded Eagle Scout in September 2005.
“While it took a considerable amount of time to gather the necessary information for this project,” according to Tim, “researching the recognition, prevention of and reaction to emergency situations made me realize the importance of being prepared.” Some of the requirements included listing the necessary steps for family and troop emergency plans, and preparing items for both personal and family safety kits. Other steps were listed as learning about the potential of fires in the kitchen, basement or storage rooms, home explosions, automobile accidents and food-borne disease (food poisoning).
Tim learned how to safely rescue a person touching a live electric wire, in a room with carbon monoxide, or having their clothing on fire. Formulating and preparation of emergency plans and kits were only the beginning steps to earning the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge. In October, Camporee 2005 with an Emergency Preparedness theme was situated in a local state park. A large scale Emergency Preparedness Drill was staged, including over 300 “victims,” which Tim and the members of Troop #630 took part in. Other requirements included preparing a written mobilization plan for his troop, preparing an approved safety checklist for potential hazards at home, and explaining what if any hazards were found and how they were corrected.
A short question and answer session followed. One question asked was, what effect if any did earning this Merit Badge have on Tim? He explained he felt able to teach others about the need to have training and safety supplies in event of an emergency. Tim knows he is prepared to, first help himself then his family and others.
Frank Brusino Honored - November 2005 Island Citizen Corps Council Chairman Frank Brusino Honored By Leadership Volunteer Forum
Nancy Koch Photo
East River Road resident Frank Brusino was recently honored at a Leadership Volunteer Forum training session held at the Erie County Emergency Services & Operations Training Center in Cheektowaga. Frank, who received a Citizen Corps Excellence in Leadership award for 2003-2005, was recognized for his leadership over the past few years as the Chairman of the Grand Island Citizen Corps Council.
Island CERT Team, Scouts To Participate In Disaster Preparedness Drill - 2005
Members of the Grand Island CERT team will participate in a disaster preparedness drill on October 15, 2005. The drill, being held in a local state park, will include personnel from state, county and local community emergency responders, as well as Boy Scouts from around the area. The hands on training exercise beginning in the morning will focus on preparedness of individuals and the community to respond to all types of emergencies and threats.
Boy Scout Troop 630, of Grand Island, NY, will also take part in an October 2005 Camporee with an Emergency Preparedness theme. The major accomplishment for the Camporee will be to assist in the staging of a full-scale disaster drill with Emergency Preparedness Responders to include: the Department of Homeland Security, Erie County Department of Emergency Services, Erie County HazMat Organization, The Specialized Medical Assistance Response or SMART Team, local hospitals, first responders and the Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Scouts/Scouters will serve as the "victims" of a simulated terrorist attack using a chemical or biological weapon on a Scout encampment and the large-scale response will serve to test the region's ability to respond to a 300+ victim multiple casualty incident in an area far from the urban setting.
Community Emergency Response Team Training - 2005
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains local citizens to be prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. Reality is, that citizens could very likely be on their own during the early hours of a catastrophic disaster. Training in basic disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance could arrive. . . A Community Emergency Response Team training class is scheduled to begin Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at Niagara Community College. With the news coverage of the recent hurricane damage, readers may be more aware of their need to be prepared for emergencies. This class is an excellent way to learn how to protect yourself and your family. Click Community Emergency Response Team training class for further information.
The Town of Grand Island has one of the first CERT in this area. The team is active and meets on a monthly basis.
Isle Citizens Corps Council Asks "Are You Ready?" - 2004 By Frank Brusino
Chairman: Grand Island Citizens Corps Council "Are You Ready??"
The Grand Island Citizens Corps over the past few years has attempted to convince its residents "To Be Prepared."
The emphasis is on Disaster Readiness. Not specifically terrorists threats, just plain readiness . . . Power outages, flooding, snow storms, ice storms, bridge shut down, hurricanes (as experienced by Floridians in the fall of 2004) and tornadoes.
Each of the disasters noted above will create enough terror if you are not prepared. Water, medicines, dry clothing, flash lights with batteries, canned foods and battery powered radios and don't forget personal identification. Click "Are You Prepared?" for a complete list of supplies to have on hand in the event of an emergency.
Citizens Corps CERT Team Training To Begin - 2004
Citizens Corps CERT Team training sessions are scheduled as follows:
• Monday, November 29, 2004 - 7-9 p.m. - Grand Island Town Hall, downstairs conference room
• Saturday, December 4, 2004 - Angola CERT Final at the Fire Academy
• Monday, December 27, 2004 - 7-9 p.m. - Casualty Simulation Drill
• Monday, December 27, 2004 - 7-9 p.m. - CERT Training - GI Library Conference Room
• Monday, December 31, 2004 - 7-9 p.m. - CERT Training - GI Library Conference Room
GI Citizens Corps Council/CERT Team To Meet - October 2004
The Grand Island CERT Team will meet 7 p.m. Monday, October 25, 2004 in the Community Room of the Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Road. Attendees are reminded to wear comfortable clothes and bring their CERT Bag!
Due to Election Day, a brief meeting of the Grand Island Citizens Corps Council will also be held on October 25 in the Library's Community Room.
The events of the past few weeks, as expressed previously, should serve as a wake up call for all of us. The Grand Island Citizens Corps over the past few years has attempted to convince its residents "To Be Prepared."
The emphasis is on Disaster Readiness. Not specifically terrorists threats, just plain readiness . . . Power outages, flooding, snow storms, ice storms, bridge shut down, hurricanes (as experienced by Floridians) and tornadoes.
Each of the disasters noted above will create enough terror if you are not prepared. Florida is in the path of the third hurricane in three weeks. I pray its residents are prepared . . . Water, medicines, dry clothing, flash lights with batteries, canned foods and battery powered radios and don't forget personal identification. "Are You Prepared?"
Frank Brusino
Chairman: Grand Island Citizens Corps Council
GI Citizens Corps Council Meeting News - September 2004
The Grand Island Citizens Corps Council met Tuesday, September 07, 2004 in the town hall. Among Disaster Readiness concerns addressed were long lines at the gas station, tempers flaring, lack of essential supplies ready for such disasters as the recent hurricanes, and "Are You Prepared" (See Frank Brusino Letter).
Erie County in conjunction with the Citizens Corps will conduct two training sessions this fall, the first session beginning Tuesday evening, September 14th and the 2nd on Wednesday evening, September 15th at Erie County Community College, North Campus, Room B713. Sessions, beginning at 6:30 p.m., run three hours. For more information call Erie Community College at 851-1800 - Department of Work Force Development.
The Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross is manning a Welfare Check Line for families to check on their relatives in Florida where there is no power or phone service. Call the Red Cross, 886-7500, for more information.
Are You Ready? - Hurricane Charley Should Be Wake-Up Call - 2004
Are you ready? Hurricane Charley should be a wake-up call for all Americans. Be ready to help yourself and your family through the first difficult hours of any type of disaster. Every Island resident should be ready with a "Go-Bag"! If you need help with this, contact any member of the Citizens Corps Council.
Disaster strikes at any time and preparedness can help everyone through the roughest of times. Grand Island Citizens Corp Council Chairman Frank Brusino reminds every Islander to read the article "Are You Prepared," concerning Home Security Kits and have one in your home. Be ready with a "Go-Bag." Prepare one now.
Grand Island Citizens Corps Council Completes First Year - June 2004
The Grand Island Citizens Corps Council has completed its first year and organizers are proud of the achievements and progress made over the year. Citizens Corps Council members and residents have attended two different training courses in Albany, and the Town is nearing the end of its initial CERT training course for the citizens of Grand Island. An informational presentation, “Ready Grand Island,” has been presented to numerous organizations on Grand Island during the past year.
Frank Brusino, Volunteer Leader and Co-Chair of the Grand Island Citizens Corps Council met President George W. Bush at an invitation only discussion on the “Patriot Act Vital to Homeland Security” on April 20, 2004 at the Kleinshans Music Hall in Buffalo, New York. The President thanked Frank for his dedication to the Citizens Corps program. “The true strength of the country lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. See, Frank represents the strength of America because he volunteers to make the community in which he lives a better place.”
Grand Island Citizens Corps Council meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month in the Town Hall at 2255 Baseline Road and are open to residents of Grand Island.
CERT Training Starts May 6th - Few Openings Available - May 2004
The first session of the Town of Grand Island's CERT Team Training course will begin this evening (May 6), at 6:30pm, at Grand Island Fire Headquarters, 2275 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY. This class has approximately 50 participants.
The ultimate objective of Community Emergency Response Team ( CERT ) training is to help local residents prepare themselves for emergencies in their communities.
In the event of a major disaster, it's very likely that individual residents will be on their own during the early hours. Training in basic disaster survival and rescue skills will improve their ability to survive those critical hours. In addition to helping themselves by being prepared, CERT members will be able to assist their neighbors until other assistance arrives.class has approximately 50 participants.For additional info: Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, 773-9600 ext # 616.
Click CERT Training .
CERT Training To Start May 6, 2004 - April 2004
A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course, offered by the Grand Island Citizens Corps Council, will begin Thursday, May 6, 2004 and run for another six Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Island Fire Hall, 2275 Baseline Road.
The CERT course will train local citizens to be prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities.
Citizens could very likely be on their own during the early hours of a catastrophic disaster. Training in basic disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance arrives. When emergencies occur, 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.
There is no charge for this program. Click CERT Form to register.
GI Citizens Corps Council Meeting - January 2004
The next monthly meeting of the GI Citizens Corps Council is being held 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2004 in Town Hall. The meetings are being held on the first Tuesday of the month and are open to the public.
GI Citizens Corps Council - Securing Our Borders - December 2003 By Dan McMahon
At the monthly meeting of the GI Citizens Corps Council on December 2, 2003 in Town Hall, BMC (Boson's Mate Chief) Stephen Barr of the US Coast Guard and Randy Renn from the US Border Patrol, spoke on Northern Border Security issues which could affect the local community, and steps the citizens of Grand Island can take to assist and help with the enormous task of securing our borders. Chief comments included the increased staff and equipment located in the Buffalo District since September 11, 2001.
There were two boats and 17 people station in Buffalo and now there are 29 personnel and five boats. The Coast Guard and Border Patrol are receiving new “Homeland Security” boats to perform their duties of rescue and security. These new boats are 45% faster than the conventional Coast Guard boats.
The Buffalo District area is 525 square miles, from the Niagara Power project intakes in Niagara Falls to Dunkirk and Van Buren Point. The US Coast Guard, Canadian Search and Rescue, along with the US Border Patrol work together to provide the security and protection in and around Grand Island. The US Coast Guard is the Major Search and Rescue for the 525 square miles of the Buffalo Base. Coast Guard officials are asking for the assistance of each and every citizen to assist them with Northern Border security. Anyone observing unusual activity around the shores of Grand Island is asked to call the Coast Guard, Border Patrol or 9-1-1 with the information so the agencies can respond and investigate.
Patrol Chief Randy Renn of the Buffalo Office of the US Border Patrol spoke on the Northern Border security issues as well. The area covered by the Buffalo district stretches from above Watertown to Erie, Pennsylvania. The change in personnel has been from a staff of 35 in four stations to a staff of 145 and six stations. There will be an increase in staffing as those in training arrive on station. The Border Patrol and Coast Guard along with other law enforcement agencies are pledging full cooperation and support for the combined Northern Border Security.
Grand Island Citizens Corp Council Chairman Frank Brusino reminds every Islander to read the article "Are You Prepared," concerning Home Security Kits and have one in your home.
Grand Island Citizens Corps Council Meets - November 2003 Frank Brusino, Grand Island Citizens Corps
Council Chairman, on a recent tour of Fire Headquarters
The Grand Island Citizens Corps Council met November 4, 2003 in the Grand Island Town Hall Conference Room. Stephen Stouter reported that the Erie County CERT Classes are underway. Immediately following the meeting, committee members, hosted by Mr. Stouter, toured the Grand Island Fire Company Headquarters.
The next meeting of the Citizens Corps Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2003 in the Town Hall Conference Room. Representatives from the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard will give presentations on Homeland Security efforts in and around Grand Island.
For Home Emergency Kit instructions, click "Are You Prepared" .
Click for more Citizens Corps Council Information.
GI Citizens Corps Council Prelimianry Meetings - June 5, July 9, 2003
The June 5 and July 9, 2003 Grand Island Citizens Corps Council meetings were held in the Grand Island Memorial Library. The following representatives were in attendance:
Beau Alexander - WNY Citizens Corps Coordinator
Dorothy Bitner - Grand Island Traffic Board, US Coast Guard
Frank Brusino - Grand Island Citizens - Interim Chair
Greg Butcher - Grand Island Fire Company
Hank Carroll - Grand Island Golden Age Club
Mary Cooke - Grand Island Town Board
Dick Crawford - Grand Island Town Board
Michael Dalfanso - Detective, Erie County Sheriff's Department
Larry Hoffman -
Carol Jones - Grand Island Central School District
Warren Luick - Erie County Sheriff
Dan McMahon - Isledegrande.com
Peter McMahon - Grand Island Town Supervisor
Ted Rayhill - Grand Island MD
Dan Robillard - Grand Island Town Board
Jim Sharpe - Grand Island Chamber of Commerce
Dick Stoll - Grand Island Police Department
Stephen Stouter - Grand Island Fire Company
Mike Walters - Erie County Emergency Services
Ron Warner - NYS Police
Citizens Corps programs build on the successful efforts that are in place in many communities around the country to prevent crime and respond to emergencies. Programs that started through local innovation are the foundation for Citizens Corps and this national approach to citizen participation in community safety.
The five national Citizens Corps programs are:
1. The Neighborhood Watch Program, funded by the Department of Justice, has been expanded to incorporate terrorism prevention and education into its existing crime prevention mission.
2. FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides training in emergency preparedness and in basic response techniques to local trainers who in turn train citizens.
3. Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) is a program administered by the Department of Justice. The program, launched in the spring of 2002, provides training for volunteers to perform administrative and non-intervention policing activities to free up law enforcement professionals for front line duty.
4. Health and Human Services will administer a community based Medical Reserve Corps launched in the summeer of 2002. Through this program, currently practicing and retired volunteers trained in medicine will be able to assist during large-scale emergencies and will augment the emergency medical response community.
There are also many other oportunities for participating in Citizens Corps.
For more information, click www.citizencorps.gov
Grand Island Citizens Corps Council Holds First Meeting - June 2003
A Grand Island Citizens Corps Council meeting, called by Supervisor Peter A. McMahon, was held Thursday, June 5, 2003 in the Grand Island Memorial Library. The mission of the Citizens Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.
The Citizens Corps will train the citizens of any community to assist themselves and their immediate neighbors during the initial stages of all types of emergency, including developing a household preparedness plan, training classes for emergency preparedness response capabilities, very basic first aid, CPR, fire extinguisher usage and simple search and rescue, patrol and reporting. Other areas and volunteer assistance will be supporting the First Responders and community safety groups.
Citizens Corps programs include Neighborhood Watch programs, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), Medical Reserve Corps, and Terrorism Information and Prevention System (Operation TIPS). These programs are not designed nor intended to replace or hinder the current agencies that respond and handle these types of situations. The intent of the Citizens Corps is to compliment the organizations and services during times when they would be overwhelmed with critical duties.
Grand Island, according to Michael Walters, Commissioner, Emergency Services of Erie County, is the first community in Erie County to implement this national program. Federal, state and county agencies are assisting Grand Island to set up the framework of the Island's Citizens Corps.
“Local resources must be able to handle any major incident including natural and man-made disasters for the first 24 – 36 hours. This is the time required for regional, state and federal agencies to mobilize and arrive on location,” Supervisor McMahon stated this week. The need for a local Citizens Corps to assist the local first responders is a must, he said. Training for the Corps coordinators will be at a state and county level and then these individuals will return to the community and provide training for the local needs. Citizens who respond to assist with the Citizens Corps will be the “Grass Roots” Responders for Grand Island. For futher information, call Supervisor McMahon's office at 773-9600, ext.616.
Among those attending the meeting were Beau Alexander (Citizens Corps Coordinator); Town Councilmen Mary Cooke, Dick Crawford and Dan Robillard; Carol Jones (Grand Island schools); Jim Sharpe (Chamber of Commerce); Henry Carroll (Golden Age Club); Dick Stoll (Grand Island Police Dept.); Ron Warner (New York State Police); Gregory Butcher (Grand Island Fire Company); Daniel McMahon (Isledegrande.com); Mike Walters (Erie Co. Emergency Services); Stephen M. Stouter (Grand Island Fire Co. Paramedics); Warren Luick (Erie Co.Sheriff's Office); and Dorothy Bitner (GI Traffic Safety Board - US Coast Guard).
