MARION -- The Energy Management Committee is looking for volunteers to form a new Community Emergency Response Team.

Led by Police Chief Richard Nighelli and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony, the response team will be responsible for developing plans for: Responding to hazards, disasters or threats; training emergency personnel to protect the public in times of disaster; providing information to residents; assisting individuals, families, businesses and communities to prepare for disaster.

Community Emergency Response Team is a nationwide volunteer program, similar to the Medical Reserve Corps. Marion’s Medical Reserve Corps will transition into the response team, and members of the reserved corps are encouraged to join the response team.

"CERT volunteers are invaluable assets to first responders and fellow community members in a number of situations, both planned and unexpected," Jackvony said. "We would like to thank Vin and all of the local MRC volunteers for their dedication to safety and wellness in our community. We look forward to kicking off CERT in Marion and encourage those who are interested in joining or learning more to reach out."

Response team members' responsibilities may include damage assessments, distributing supplies, administrative and logistical tasks, traffic control, medical assistance and more.

"CERT volunteers are invaluable assets to first responders and fellow community members in a number of situations, both planned and unexpected," Jackvony said. "We would like to thank Vin and all of the local MRC volunteers for their dedication to safety and wellness in our community. We look forward to kicking off CERT in Marion and encourage those who are interested in joining or learning more to reach out."

Those who may be interested in joining Marion CERT are asked to contact Chief Jackvony at bjackvony@marionma.gov or 508-748-3596. The town hopes to establish a list of interested people and will then hold an informational meeting and collect applications.

More information about the CERT program, its functions and history can be found at ready.gov.