Newest Hoboken Rescue Team Inaugurated

For the members of Hoboken's first ever Civilian Community Emergency Response team, Monday nights used to a tough work out, shlepping heavy equipment and learning how to drag someone from a burning building. 

But, after ten four-hour sessions of emergency rescue training, 14 Hobokenites are now certified to do basic first aide, basic search and rescue, basic fire suppression and basic mental illness diagnosis. 

Yesterday, though, it was finally time for cake (from Carlo's Bake Shop no less). 

Mayor Dawn Zimmer handed out certificates to the 14 successful graduates of the program.

Joel Mestre, who works in the Office of Emergency Management, said the City's next step is to create a children's CERT, which will aim to teach children about safety and how to protect themselves (and others) from dangerous situations. 

Zimmer said she was extremely excited about the newest response team, which can be used during special events in the city (such as: St. Patty's Day Parade, 4th of July, block parties). 

Congratulations to: Lou Casciano, James Davis, Freddie Moret, John Quinones, Margerita Giammanco, Anthony Ricciardi, Stephen Hefler, Gregory Henley, Maggie Shields, Michelle Lemieux, Roger J. Muller Jr., Richard Tremitiedi, Lutricia Alexander, Bob Duval, John Branciforte, John Tuttle, Jonathan Cummins and Joseph Bucino.