News & Past Events

Sixteen students completed Basic CERT training in May 2025, gaining critical skills to support their community in times of emergency. The intensive three-day course was made possible with the support of South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue and combined classroom instruction with hands-on practice in disaster preparedness and response.

The training culminated in a realistic, full-scale disaster exercise at the Hospitality House in downtown Newport. Participants put their new skills to the test in a simulated emergency environment, working through search and rescue, triage, and team coordination. Adding to the realism were professionally moulaged role players provided by Out of the Box Entertainment, creating an immersive experience that challenged students to think clearly, act decisively, and work together under pressure.

Our initial CERT Informational Meeting was held at the Hospitality House in Newport Tuesday, March 26th. By head count 62 people attended.The purpose of the meeting was to determine if there was enough interest in the Community Emergency Response Training program to form our own CERT in Pend Oreille County. 

Bill Steele, Bonner County CERT Coordinator spoke to a packed Hospitality House about their seven year history in CERT and the impact it has made in Bonner County. CERT has trained over 150 people since it first started.  Bill referred to the people who receive training but do not join CERT afterwords as ‘Catch and release.’ “Not everyone who takes the training becomes CERT Members,” Bill said. “However, their training positively impacts Bonner County because they are are equipped to assist families and neighbors in a disaster. It’s not like the training is wasted.”  Bonner County’s CERT team is 40-members strong and they meet monthly to training and practice.

Steele points out CERT teams are not first responders. They operate under the sheriff’s office to provide assistance to first responders. Because CERT team members live in the community they serve, they may be the first to provide emergency first aid, extinguish small fires, and help family and neighbors to safety. CERT teams also assist to mobilize shelters and distribute food, water and information.