Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
The Elmore County Commission recognized new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduates, March 9, 2026, at the Elmore County Courthouse for volunteering their time to serve and aid the community.
Trained by local Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs), CERT programs educate volunteers who professional first responders can rely on during disaster situations. The training focuses on basic response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and medical operations.
“We started our class with 22 on the roster, but for various reasons, finished with eight wonderful individuals,” said Elmore County EMA Deputy Director Bethany Elliott. “While this is our smallest class to date, it was no less a very successful one, and I want to thank each of them for being engaged and enthusiastic each and every night of the class.”
Elmore County EMA Director Keith Barnett also addressed the commission, thanking them for their support of the program and informing them of upcoming training opportunities. The commission praised the county EMA and CERT graduates for their work.
“A lot of people talk the talk, but y’all [CERT graduates] walk the walk,” said District 1 Commissioner Henry Hines. “You volunteered your time, days, and nights to get certified, and now, you’ll be an asset to our community.”
Following remarks from commissioners, the CERT graduates were presented with a certificate of recognition for their accomplishment.
