CASSOPOLIS — Cass County Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood Jr. would like to announce the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Cass County Emergency Operations Center, 130 N. Broadway, Cassopolis.
The seven-week training will be held Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9, culminating on Feb. 29 with a simulated disaster exercise and graduation.
CERT is a training program that prepares participants to help themselves,  their families and neighbors  in the event of a disaster.
During an incident, emergency service personnel may not be able to reach everyone immediately.
CERT training takes about 20 hours to complete and provides critical skills in emergency preparedness and response.
Classes and equipment are provided free to those willing to help their community, but registration is required.
Adults 18 and older who live or work in Cass County are encouraged to attend.
For questions or additional CERT registration information, contact Patti Kolden at the Cass County Sheriff’s Office by dialing (269) 445-8644, ext. 1217.