HALLANDALE BEACH

POLICE PROGRAM RENEWED

The police can always use a little help. At a recent meeting, Hallandale Beach City Commissioners gave Police Chief Thomas Magill the go-ahead to seek funding to train local citizens in assisting Police and Rescue personnel during emergencies.

For the past two years, the Police and Fire-Rescue Departments have received $37,477 from the Florida Department of Community Affairs. The money is used to train civilians in emergency responses and equipment as part of the Citizen Corps Program. Residents learn how to react in case of a terrorism threat, crime and all kinds of disasters. Many of the city's employees are part of the program.

Hallandale Beach was one of the first in Broward and the fifth in the State to do this," Magill said. "It has helped us tremendously in reaching out to residents."

This year, the program will take its training to schools, condominiums and the community. During its first year, Police and Fire-Rescue officials made 22 presentations, printed more than 5,000 brochures and handed out more than 535 information booklets. "It has become one of our most popular programs at the Fire Department," said Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan.

But not all residents learn how to protect themselves. A group of more active volunteers also learn how to protect others. They are known as the CERTs, or Community Emergency Response Teams. These volunteers attend a 24-hour training program which includes a simulated disaster. After graduation, they are ready to assist Police and Fire-Rescue crews in moments of crisis. The number of CERTs is expected to grow to 94, Magill said. "CERTs are an asset during hurricanes." Magill said. CERTs help in handing out evacuation notices, transporting residents to shelters, helping residents put up their shutters, answering city hotlines and other duties.

By Edgar Sandoval, Staff Writer, Sun-Sentinel March 16, 2005