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NJ Office of Emergency Management
Colonel Rick Fuentes Major Dennis McNulty
Superintendent, New Jersey State Police
State Director of Emergency Management
Commanding Officer, Emergency Management

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mary Goepfert
(609) 963-6818
April 14, 2011

NJOEM RECOGNIZES CITIZEN CORPS VOLUNTEERS DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

West Trenton - N.J.  In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management acknowledges the efforts of thousands of Citizen Corps volunteers who enhance emergency management programs statewide.

“New Jersey’s Citizen Corps Program is one of the most robust in the nation; and we thank all volunteers who take a proactive approach toward helping others in their communities” said State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes, Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.  “Citizen engagement is the hallmark of a effective disaster preparedness capability.  If you want to become involved in helping others during adverse conditions, there’s a place for you in one of the Citizen Corps programs.” 

New Jersey Citizen Corps volunteers help their communities prepare for and respond to all types of disasters through education and training, and by promoting a culture of personal responsibility and volunteer service. Based on the tradition of "neighbor helping neighbor," Citizen Corps programs build strong communities, enhance the capabilities of emergency services organizations, and empower individuals to act responsibly and respond appropriately during critical times. 

Citizen Corps programs active in New Jersey include:

  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - 430 CERT Teams representing 16,461 Volunteers
  • Medical Reserve Corps – 5,252 volunteers in all 21 counties
  • Neighborhood Watch – 413 NW groups
  • Volunteers in Police Service - 72 VIPS programs
  • Fire Corps – 27 FC programs

Citizens Corps volunteers have aided evacuees with basic needs, worked with FEMA Community Relations Officers after floods to provide information about disaster assistance, and helped with medical needs shelter planning.  New Jersey’s Community Emergency Response Team program actively engages individuals with disabilities in training and team membership.

For more information about Citizens Corps Programs, or if you want to be trained to help others after a disaster, visit:

http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/citizen/citizen.html
http://www.citizencorps.gov/index.shtm

For information on National Volunteer Week:  http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/signatureevents/nvw

 

 

 

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