Dallas, GA – On Thursday, February 27, 2020, Paulding County EMA recognized Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers, John F. Morgan and Timothy Payne, for their dedication and commitment exemplified through perfect attendance for 2019. Ruth Leber was also recognized for her recent promotion to Operations Section Chief.

John F. Morgan serves as the CERT Division Commander, Team Captain. For the year of 2019, he volunteered 92 hours of his time with Paulding County through trainings, events, exercises, and instruction. He has been a member of Paulding CERT since 2018.

Timothy Payne joined Paulding CERT in June 2019 and through the remainder of the year, he volunteered 47 hours of his time with the Team at community events. Deputy EMA Director Stephen M. Dooley and EMA Coordinator Eve Cogsdell presented John F. Morgan and Timothy Payne with a plaque and letters of appreciation.

Ruth Leber, who has volunteered with Paulding CERT since 2016, was recently promoted to Operations Section Chief. This promotion comes with the rank of Lieutenant. The CERT Operations Section Chief is responsible for directing and coordinating tactical operations by working with the Search and Rescue Unit Leader and the Medical Unit Leader. CERT Captain John F. Morgan and EMA Coordinator Eve Cogsdell presented Ruth Leber with a certificate of promotion.

Paulding County EMA has managed the Paulding County CERT program since it was founded in 2016. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to being ready for emergencies. Through the emphasis of rescuer safety, sound decision making, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people, CERT volunteers work together in teams to assist with missing persons searches, shelter operations, SkyWarn storm spotter activations, conducting damage assessments following significant weather events, and providing logistical support with planned community events such as fireworks displays and parades. Paulding County EMA trains and equips active volunteers and the program has continued to be a very successful enhancement to the preparedness, response and recovery goals of the agency.