After September 11, 2001, America witnessed a wellspring of selflessness and heroism. People in every corner of the country asked, “What can I do?” and “How can I help?” Citizen Corps was created to help all Americans answer these questions through public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service.

CITIZEN CORPS COUNCILS

Citizen Corps Councils helps drive local citizen participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats and identifying local resources.

CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program program is administered by FEMA’s Community Preparedness Division. CERT is a training program that prepares people to help themselves, their families and their neighbors in the event of a disaster in their community. Through CERT, citizens can learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.

With this training, volunteers can provide critical support by giving immediate assistance to victims before emergency first responders arrive on scene. CERT volunteers also support the community year-round by participating in community preparedness outreach activities and distributing materials on disaster preparedness and education.

Click here for local CERT training information.

MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS

The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program reports directly to the Surgeon General of the U.S. in the Department of Health and Human Services.

MRC strives to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Volunteer MRC units accomplish this mission by supplementing existing emergency and public health resources during local emergencies and other times of community need.

Local volunteers who would like to join the Medical Reserve Corps may contact RCOHSEM, or the Russell County Extension Office at (334) 298-6845.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

USAonWatch is the face of the National Neighborhood Watch Program. The program is managed nationally by the National Sheriffs’ Association in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice.

Time-tested practices such as “eyes-and-ears” training and target-hardening techniques continue to be at the core of the program. As groups continue to grow, the roles of citizens have become more multifaceted and tailored to local needs. USAonWatch empowers citizens to become active in homeland security efforts through community participation. USAonWatch provides information, training, technical support and resources to local law enforcement agencies and citizens.

If you would like to form a Neighborhood Watch program, Contact the Russell County Sheriff’s Department at (334) 298-6535, or the Phenix City Police Department, (334) 448-2817!

VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICE

The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program serves as a gateway to information for law enforcement agencies and citizens interested in law enforcement volunteer programs.

The program’s ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement agencies by incorporating the time and skills that volunteers can contribute to a community law enforcement agency. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) manages the VIPS Program in partnership with and on behalf of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

To Volunteer for the VIPS program in Russell County contact the Russell County Sheriff’s Department (334) 298-6535.