September 28, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Mahwah Township seeking emergency response volunteers by Frank J. McMahon The need for the Mahwah Community Emergency Response Team became very evident during the damage caused by Hurricane Irene. The organization is now looking for more volunteers to be trained and ready if and when another disaster strikes the area. CERT is made up of volunteer residents who are trained to support professional first responders such as police, fire, and emergency medical technicians in all types of emergency situations while serving the community in other ways during non-emergency times. CERT is part of a national program administered under the Federal Emergency Management Administration and is organized locally under the auspices of the Mahwah Office of Emergency Management. The next CERT training course will be offered at the Bergen Law & Public Safety Institute in Mahwah starting Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. There is no cost to participate, and the course will run for nine Wednesday nights. The training provides residents with basic skills and information about what to do before, during, and after a disaster to aid themselves, their families, and the community. At the completion of the program, basic CERT safety equipment will be issued to each participant. Mahwah CERT Coordinator Allan Becker advises that interested residents should register as soon as possible to ensure a place in this class. Becker advised that, during the hurricane, CERT volunteers provided a shelter at the township’s senior center for residents who were evacuated from their homes and provided them with food and water until they were able to relocate. At the request of township officials, CERT helped to notify people whose wells might become affected by the storm waters. CERT also helps with traffic control at local events, including Mahwah Day. Over the past few months, CERT also provided traffic, safety, and organizational resources for the Ramapo College graduation, the March of Dimes Walkathon, the Mahwah Police Youth Academy’s “World’s Largest Smiley Face” Event, and Mayor Richard Martel’s funeral. In March, Mahwah CERT assisted the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey in surveying damage resulting from the March 2011 floods. Twelve CERT members participated with Red Cross personnel over a three-day period in a street-by-street survey of flood-stricken residential areas of Wayne and Pompton Lakes. The data was being collected by the American Red Cross as part of ongoing recovery efforts. In June, a CERT utility trailer was officially dedicated ��� and placed into service by a resolution of the Mahwah Township Council. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management awarded Mahwah CERT the utility trailer based on the group’s outstanding credentials, past service, and unique capabilities. Council President John Roth praised the CERT volunteers at that ceremony for what they go through as far as the training and the capabilities they possess. He explained that Mahwah CERT was organized in 2003, and team members have extensive training and certifications in a broad range of health, safety, emergency service, and response activities from various organizations, including the New Jersey State Police, the American Red Cross, the New Jersey Department of Health Services, the Bergen County Health Services, FEMA, and the Orange & Rockland and PSE&G Utilities. According to Becker, Mahwah CERT is comprised of 80 roster members, including 40 active members. Those active members are divided into five teams of eight members, each including three EMTs, one retired registered nurse, and three members holding FCC amateur radio licenses. For That Special Event On Sept. 21, the Mahwah Police Department arrested two male individuals from New York City for possessing a large quantity of cocaine after a motor vehicle stop by Officer Christopher Fasulo on Route 287 North. At approximately 2 a.m., Officer Fasulo stopped the driver of a 2012 Ford Taurus for speeding and careless driving. Officer Fasulo spoke with the driver of the vehicle, and ascertained the vehicle was a rental. During Officer Fasulo’s investigation and conversation with both occupants of the vehicle, Fasulo obtained conflicting stories of the destination and activities of both individuals. Further investigation by Officer Fasulo included a request for consent to search the vehicle, which was granted. Located in the center console was a container of “pepper spray” in an amount and volume that is illegal to pos- New York City men face drug charges ��������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������� sess in New Jersey. A further search discovered two large clear cellophane bundled “brick sized” of what was field tested and determined to be cocaine. Both individuals, a 22-year-old passenger and the 25year-old driver, were arrested and charged with distribution of cocaine in a quantity over an ounce, possession of cocaine, and committing a drug offense while in possession of a weapon. The driver was additionally charged with motor vehicle summonses for speeding, careless driving, and operating motor vehicle in possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set by Bergen County Superior Court Judge DeAvila-Silebi at $150,000 each. Mahwah Municipal Court Judge Anthony Gianni gave both parties their first appearance. ������ ���� �������������������������������� ��������������� ������������ See our website for coupons-������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ���������������������