Pickens County celebrates new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduating cohort
July 10, 2026
United Way of Pickens County and Pickens County Emergency Management celebrated the graduation of a new Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, cohort in Pickens County.
Over the past several weeks, participants completed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training designed to prepare community volunteers for emergencies and to support local response efforts when needed. The final class included a tabletop disaster exercise that gave trainees the opportunity to apply what they had learned through teamwork, communication, thoughtful questions, and real-world problem-solving.
The program was made possible in part through funding from the American Red Cross and reflects a growing collaboration between United Way of Pickens County and Pickens County Emergency Management to strengthen disaster preparedness, recovery capacity, and volunteer engagement throughout the county.
“This graduation is an important milestone for Pickens County,” said Julie Capaldi, President of United Way of Pickens County. “These volunteers gave their time to learn how they can serve and support their neighbors during times of crisis. We are grateful for their commitment and for the strong partnership that made this new cohort possible.”
The CERT program provides volunteers with practical training in areas such as emergency preparedness, disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster psychology. Graduates may be called upon to support emergency response efforts, community preparedness activities, and future CERT initiatives.
United Way of Pickens County extends its appreciation to the Pickens County Emergency Management team for its leadership, instruction, and continued commitment to building a more prepared and resilient community. Special recognition is also given to everyone who helped support the program from its earliest planning stages through graduation.
“Strong communities are built through strong partnerships, and this milestone shows what is possible when trusted partners find new ways to serve together,” said Theresa Singletary, LTRG Coordinator for United Way of Pickens County.
United Way of Pickens County looks forward to continuing its work with Pickens County Emergency Management, CERT graduates, and community partners to expand preparedness and strengthen the county’s ability to respond and recover.
