Sheriff's Office

Community Emergency Response Team - CERT

Joe Olaciregui, CCP Coordinator
(775) 325-6928 I Jolaciregui@washoecounty.us

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a disaster preparedness and response training program. These classes are designed for the "general citizen" and will provide a broad base of training in disaster preparedness, light search and rescue, disaster medical, fire safety and many other aspects of preparation and response.

The program consists of six training sessions over two consecutive weekends, and all sessions must be completed to graduate. The training is conducted by Citizen Corps staff, volunteers, and subject matter experts. You don't need any special skills or training to participate in the program. If you're between 16-17 years old, you can join with a parent's permission.

All residents are encourage to complete CERT training to best serve our community in the event of an emergency. At the conclusion of the program, participants are also invited to become a volunteer with the Citizen Corps Program (CCP) through which volunteers regularly practice critical response skills.  

CERT volunteers help not only during disasters, but also assist professional responders during training and exercises. CERT volunteers are an invaluable asset to our community, providing crucial services such as traffic control, staffing first aid booths, assisting with Child ID efforts, and helping at special events such as the Reno Rodeo, Reno Balloon Races, and community safety days. In CERT, there is a job for everyone. 

2024 CERT Academy

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Corps offers a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy in the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

The CERT Academy will take place at the Regional Public Safety Training Center located at 5190 Spectrum Boulevard on the following Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays:

  • January 18th, 19th, 20th and 25th, 26th 27th
  • April 11th, 12th, 13th and 18th, 19th, 20th
  • July 11th, 12th, 13th and 18th, 19th, 20th
  • October 10th, 11th, 12th and 17th, 18th, 19th

To sign up for training, call CERT Program Manager Joe Olaciregui at (775) 325-6927 or email: WCSOCERT@washoecounty.us

For more information visit: 

Volunteer Information

To register, call 325-6928 or email us.

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Other Helpful Links:
CERT Overview
Red Cross