City programs invite residents to support police, fire and emergency preparedness efforts
Community members looking for a meaningful way to give back to their city have two new opportunities to support public safety in Folsom, as volunteer recruitment opens for both the Folsom Citizens Assisting Public Safety program and the Community Emergency Response Team.
Through hands-on service, training, and direct collaboration with local first responders, both programs allow residents to contribute to keeping Folsom safe while gaining valuable skills and experience.
Folsom Citizens Assisting Public Safety, known as CAPS, is a volunteer program that supports the work of the Folsom Police Department and the Folsom Fire Department. CAPS volunteers assist with a wide range of public safety functions and play an important role behind the scenes in daily operations.
To qualify, applicants must complete the Citizen’s Academy, which runs from March through May, and successfully pass an interview and background check. Applications for the 2026 CAPS program will become available Jan. 15, with completed applications due by Feb. 2. Interested residents can access the application online through the City of Folsomwebsite or pick up a printed copy in the lobby of the Folsom Police Department.
Community members interested in learning more about the CAPS program can find additional details and application information by visitinghttps://www.folsom.ca.us/government/police, or by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Hess at 916-461-6516.
Residents interested in emergency preparedness and neighborhood-level response can also consider joining the Folsom Community Emergency Response Team, commonly known as CERT. CERT volunteers work closely with the Folsom Fire Department during large-scale incidents, providing first aid, light search and rescue, and firefighter rehabilitation support. They also serve a vital role in emergency preparedness education and in assisting neighbors during the critical moments before first responders arrive.
The Folsom Fire Department is currently recruiting volunteers for its spring CERT Basic Academy. The academy consists of four free training sessions scheduled for March 19, March 21, March 28, and April 2. Participants must be 18 years or older, with preference given to individuals who live or work in Folsom. Those who complete the training, pass a background check, and interview with team leadership may be invited to join the CERT team.
Those seeking more information or wishing to register for the CERT Basic Academy can learn more by visitinghttps://academy.folsomcert.org.
City officials note that both programs offer residents a chance to strengthen community resilience, support first responders, and play an active role in public safety efforts throughout Folsom.
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