The Salem Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, managed by the City of Salem’s Emergency Manager (EM) under the authority of the Salem Fire Department, is dedicated to building a resilient community prepared for emergencies. The CERT Advisory Group (CAG), comprising six members, supports the EM by setting priorities, managing tasks, and strengthening the CERT program and its membership.
Mission of the CERT Advisory Group
The CAG’s mission is to support the CERT program in building a resilient Salem community prepared for emergencies. This mission, answering “Why do we exist?” is broad, enduring, and aspirational, aligning with the CERT program’s vision. The CAG achieves this by:
- Providing strategic input and operational support to the EM.
- Setting and achieving goals in training, communications, community engagement,logistics, operations, and organization.
- Distributing workload to allow the EM to focus on strategic oversight.
- Fostering a collaborative environment that empowers CERT members and enhances community resilience
Advisory Group Members: - CAG Facilitator: Wayne Floyd
- Communications Lead: Mark Wardell
- Community Engagement Lead: Laura Hildebrant
- Logistics Lead: Terry Pickett
- Operations Lead: Lola Hackett
- Organization lead: Paul Howard
- Training Lead: Terry Pickett
External Advisors: - City Emergency Manager: Joe Hutchinson