The Folsom Fire Department is shining a well-deserved spotlight on a group of community members whose service often happens behind the scenes but proves critical when it matters most. As part of National Volunteer Week, the department is recognizing its Community Emergency Response Team, better known as CERT, for their ongoing commitment to keeping the city prepared, supported and resilient.
“We’re proud to recognize our Folsom Fire Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers,” the department shared. “These dedicated community members train to support first responders, assist during emergencies, and help keep Folsom prepared and resilient. Your time, commitment, and service truly make a difference. Thank you for all you do!”
Those words reflect a reality seen throughout the year across Folsom, where CERT volunteers quietly log thousands of hours in service to the community. As an extension of the Folsom Fire Department family, these trained volunteers play a vital support role in both planned events and unexpected emergencies, often stepping in to assist when resources are stretched or additional help is needed.
Their work spans a wide range of responsibilities that touch nearly every corner of the community. CERT members provide first aid services at major local gatherings such as the Folsom Pro Rodeo and Folsom Live, assist in search and rescue operations for missing at-risk individuals, and support firefighters on the front lines by helping with rest and rehabilitation during extended incidents. They are also called upon to assist at wildfire base camps in logistical roles, operate cooling and clean-air stations during extreme conditions, and provide critical support during mass-casualty incidents by helping with triage and basic medical care.
Beyond response efforts, CERT volunteers also serve as educators, helping lead the CERT Basic Training Academy and preparing fellow residents to respond effectively during emergencies. Their presence helps strengthen the city’s overall readiness, ensuring that more people have the knowledge and confidence to act in the critical moments before professional responders arrive.
Training is a cornerstone of the program. While all members complete the foundational CERT Basic Training Academy, many go on to pursue advanced instruction in areas such as first aid and basic life support comparable to an emergency medical responder level, low-angle rope rescue, firefighter rehabilitation, radio communications, search and rescue operations, and water awareness including self-rescue techniques. This layered training ensures that CERT volunteers are not only willing to help, but also equipped to do so safely and effectively.
The CERT program itself has deep roots in disaster preparedness. Originally developed by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985, the concept gained momentum following the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, which highlighted the need for trained civilians to assist in large-scale emergencies. By 1993, CERT had grown into a national program, and today it includes more than 2,700 local teams across all 50 states, with more than 600,000 people trained nationwide.
In Folsom, the program continues to grow through community participation. The city offers its CERT Basic Training Academy twice each year, providing residents with hands-on instruction in disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. The academy is free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning how to better protect their family, neighbors and community, with no obligation to become an active volunteer afterward.
For those who choose to take the next step, becoming a fully uniformed CERT member involves completing the academy, finishing additional coursework through FEMA, the Red Cross and the California Office of Emergency Services, passing a background check, and interviewing with program leadership.
As Folsom continues to grow, the role of volunteers like those in CERT remains as important as ever. Whether assisting at a community celebration, supporting firefighters during a major incident, or preparing neighbors for the unexpected, their impact is felt across the city in ways both visible and unseen.
Residents interested in learning more about the program or enrolling in an upcoming training academy can contact the Folsom CERT volunteer coordinator at contact@folsomcert.org.
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