For the past several months, Los Angeles City Fire Department’s Captain Stacy Gerlich, the former CERT Commander, who is now working with Homeland Security, has been entrenched in yet another academic adventure. She has been attending The Naval Postgraduate School and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Monterey, CA. Captain Gerlich will receive her second Master’s Degree in Homeland Defense and Security. While her thesis surrounded her passion for CERT, she is currently working with a private medical college with aspirations of incorporating CERT training in their Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree curriculum.
Captain Gerlich remains a true advocate and supporter of CERT and appreciates each and every person who gives their time and effort tirelessly to the citizens of Los Angeles. “As life brings to us many challenges, the networking and relationships often realized as a result of community involvement, in this case CERT, is but one of the many ways we can aspire to achieve the ‘whole community’ concept set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistant Director, Craig Fugate.” As we continue to watch catastrophes occur across the globe, we know California is due to experience their own devastating events in the near future.”
With that in mind, Captain Gerlich was quite candid with her suggestions to the citizens of Los Angeles. “The time is now to ‘Be More Prepared’ says Gerlich. She went on to say that everyone should check their disaster supplies and keep all items up to date. Make copies of important documents, have medicine available, small denominations of cash, flashlights, batteries, clothing, food, pet needs, children’s needs, and make sure emergency contact information is in order. There are hundreds of websites that can offer guidance with these items but the main goal is to have a plan, a kit, and stay informed. Help your neighbors do the same. If you haven’t created a neighborhood plan—map your neighborhood. It is an easy way to become better acquainted and more cohesive in your endeavor. There is no time like the present to address these concerns. Mother Nature does not utilize AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. to call you prior to unleashing her fury. We have witnessed several devastating events around the world and they have once again, shaken us to realize we are not as ready as we think we are.
Your local fire and law enforcement agencies are some of the best in the country. We are exposed to the same potential disasters as the rest of the population. While we took an oath to provide life safety and protection for our constituents, we are not immune to harm. Just as we must prepare our families to rush to the aid of our communities, we ask that you do the same. The more knowledge, skills, and abilities we attain will contribute to our resiliency.’