(Jeff Cummings with his 2013 CERT Merit Award.)

Jeff Cummings Receives 2013 CERT Merit Award

WESTBROOK – The 6th Annual Connecticut Citizen’s Corps Council Conference was held at the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook, Connecticut, on September 4 and 5. Mayors, first selectmen, city managers, police chiefs, fire chiefs, public health officials, emergency managers, CERT team members, volunteers and Governor Malloy attended the two-day emergency preparedness conference.

There were over 200 people in attendance at the luncheon when the CERT Merit Award was presented to the Team Leader, Jeff Cummings, of East Hartford. Katherine McCormack, Chairperson of the Awards Committee, remarked, "The Awards Committee applauds the outstanding contribution that Mr. Cummings has made and continues to make in local and regional communities. The contribution he makes every day to the Town of East Hartford and to its neighboring communities well-exceeds the criteria for this award. The Connecticut Citizen Corps Council congratulates you."

(Jim Gordon, The Salvation Army; Paul Belanger, East Hartford CERT Coordinator; Jeff Cummings; and Dan Dube, Town of East Hartford Emergency Management Coordinator.)

When the nomination was read, it was explained that Jeff is a 24/7/365 volunteer. Whenever there is a need, you almost always have Jeff responding. He has been a CERT volunteer for three years and has become the "keeper" of one of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Canteens. Whenever the Greater Hartford Salvation Army’s Canteen responds, Jeff is there. His responsibilities include keeping the vehicle stocked, organized and ready to respond. So whether it is the 2011 Halloween Nor'easter, Hurricane Sandy, a bad accident or fire, a DUI checkpoint or a Salvation Army public event at the Connecticut Convention Center... CERT, The Salvation Army and Jeff Cummings will be there!

Jim Gordon, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for The Salvation Army, commented, "Jeff is more than just a CERT volunteer. Whenever I contact him to ask for help, he always makes himself available. And when Jeff says that he will do it, you know he will get it done! We can always count on Jeff. He is like part of our Salvation Army family!"

(Major Brian Glasco, Greater Hartford Area Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army, with Jeff Cummings at the South Marshall Street Block Party.)

For some CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) background, East Hartford CERT is an organization which assists emergency personnel when normal resources are stretched to their limits. The objective of the group is to provide trained citizens to assist members of the community in the event of a major disaster, as well as grow a pool of volunteers to help staff the Emergency Operations Center and local shelters.

In East Hartford, CERT is also in charge of the Greater Hartford Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Canteen. This canteen provides drinks and food to displaced people and emergency workers. The canteen also assists at various public events, such as a DOT child safety seat check, Hartford Veteran's Day Parade, and the NBC Health and Wellness Show. It also assists the Metro Traffic Division with DUI checkpoints throughout the Greater Hartford area.