Goffstown resident Al Raymond recently received a citation from Governor Lynch commending him on his service as Chairman of the Goffstown Citizen Corp. The award outlined his vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence that has helped develop a successful program. Under Chairman Raymond, the Goffstown Citizen Corp has become a model for the State of NH and the entire East Coast.
Citizen Corps was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from disasters of all kinds.
The Citizen Corps Partner Programs give citizens the opportunity to get involved. Citizen Corps' five federally sponsored partner programs help build capacity for first responders through the use of volunteers.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is one of these partner programs and its mission is to educate people about disaster preparedness and train them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community. The program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Mr Raymond is also a founding and active member of the Goffstown CERT Program, which itself was recently awarded the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD for the third consecutive year. Established in 2003, the award is a national honor offered annually in recognition of exemplary citizenship through volunteer service.
Goffstown CERT has a long history of volunteer service, and more than 75 volunteers perform community service each year on behalf of the CERT organization.
Mr Raymond is stepping down as Chairman of the Goffstown Citizens Corps and will be replaced in that capacity by Mr. Al Baines who is also a member of the Goffstown CERT. For more information about volunteering for Goffstown CERT call 497-4858 or visit our website at www.goffstowncert.org or e-mail goffstowncert@hotmail.com For more information about Goffstown Citizens Corps, visit their website at www.citizencorps.gov/
