VOLUNTEER - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Member

Hanover County Government

Hanover, VA

General Description:

The Community Emergency Response Team (“CERT”) is a group of specially trained, non-operational civilians who provide support to the Department’s response team during times of disaster relief. All CERT members must undergo a background investigation conducted by Department administration and be approved for membership by the Chief. All CERT members serve at the discretion of the Chief.
Members support training of county residents in basic emergency preparedness with classes and outreach at events.
Members support events at the request of county departments, the Town of Ashland, and mutual aid partners in various roles to maintain public safety.
Members may be deployed during incidents, supporting first responders, local law enforcement, and other county departments in the form of administrative or other duties as assigned by the Emergency Manager.

Essential Functions:

This position requires taking the CERT Basic course prior to completing the online application, and then the applicant will be designated as “active” within the Unit.
Perform tasks according to ability during events and incidents. Tasks vary depending on the assignment and can range from data entry to pedestrian safety to victim role play.
Maintain good standing and training with the team as prescribed by the bylaws.
Advanced level certification is available with higher duties and training opportunities.

Special Conditions:

· Must be at least eighteen (18) years old

· Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License and Driving Record

· Criminal Records Check

Hanover County is proud to provide the following benefits to volunteer emergency responder

Free basic training in both fire and EMS disciplines
Uniforms (as available) and personal protective equipment
Personal Property Tax Relief for the vehicle the volunteer uses for response

(Applies to motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer rescue squad or fire company members.
One motor vehicle which is owned by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member, or leased by each volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member if the member is obligated by the terms of the lease to pay tangible personal property tax on the motor vehicle, may be specially classified under this section, provided the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member regularly responds to emergency calls.

The volunteer shall furnish the commissioner of revenue with a certification by the chief or head of the volunteer organization, that the volunteer is a member of the volunteer rescue squad or fire company who regularly responds to calls or regularly performs other duties for the rescue squad or fire company, and the motor vehicle owned or leased by the volunteer rescue squad member or volunteer fire company member is identified. The certification shall be submitted by January 31 of each year to the commissioner of revenue; however, the commissioner of revenue shall be authorized, in his discretion, and for good cause shown and without fault on the part of the member, to accept a certification after the January 31 deadline. A replacement vehicle may be certified and classified pursuant to this subsection when the vehicle certified as of the immediately prior January date is transferred during the tax year.
Hanover County Code: Sec. 22-50. - Other classifications of tangible personal property for taxation.)