10/05/2026
On Saturday, October 3, we celebrated a fantastic milestone: our newest CERT Basic Training class graduated and officially joined Arlington CERT. Every single one of these graduates earned this moment, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome them to the team.
Over the past several weeks, they committed their evenings and weekends to learning disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, team organization, and the psychological side of disaster response. That kind of dedication says everything about who they are — people who show up for their families, their neighbors, and their community.
They’re stepping into CERT at a meaningful time. Arlington CERT’s roots go back to the response after September 11, and in 2027 we’ll mark our 25th anniversary. Our newest Class 82 graduates are now part of that legacy, carrying it forward into the next chapter.
In the coming weeks, many of them will take on their first deployments — at the public health exercise, the Marine Corps Marathon, or the damage assessment exercise. We all remember what those first shifts felt like: the nerves, the questions, the uncertainty. A friendly face can make all the difference.
So when you see one of our new teammates at an event, please take a moment to say hello, share what you know, and help them feel supported. That’s how CERT has always grown strong — through people lifting each other up.
Congratulations again to our graduates. We’re grateful for your commitment, inspired by your service, and excited to stand beside you in the work ahead.