By: Ashmar Mandou

The flooding of summer 2023 wreaked havoc for the Cicero community so much so Cicero officials wanted to meet the next potential natural disaster head on. On Monday evening, the Town of Cicero celebrated 75 volunteers who are now part of Cicero’s first certified emergency response team (CERT). Town President Larry Dominick celebrated this Town-wide accomplishment with a graduation ceremony at the council chambers.

“It’s amazing to see so many people volunteer and that shows they’re part of the community. Like I said in the meeting, I volunteered for the Little League for 20 years and had three teams a year. It gives you that good feeling after you do something,” said President Dominick. “So many nice people are here today, they graduated. I’m so proud of them. Everyone involved makes Cicero a much better community and that’s what we’re here for.” In addition, President Dominick thanked Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Congressman Chuy Garcia for lending the Town of Cicero a helping hand and making the CERT program a success in Cicero.

“This is not a celebration, it’s more than that. It is an accomplishment for our community,” said Town Chaplain Ismael Vargas, who directed the Cicero CERT volunteers into completing the eight-week training program. “We have to be prepared for situations, anything our Town might need. Have volunteers out in the street ready for any disaster that might happen.” Chaplain Vargas also completed the CERT training. CERT trainers volunteered from all over the state of Illinois to train Cicero residents who were eager to learn. Today, President Dominick was able to meet and congratulate them. Cicero CERT volunteers are now prepared to assist the police and fire departments during any emergency. The Town is now prepared to face any disaster stronger than ever.

Photo Credit: The Town of Cicero