From Bystanders to Lifesavers
What if everyday citizens were trained to help before professional
responders could arrive?
hours can feel like an eternity. It was during the devastating fires and mudslides of 1990s California that a simple but powerful idea took r `oot — what if everyday citizens were trained to help before professional responders could arrive? From that question, the Community Emergency Response Team was born.
Built on the belief that “we are the help until help arrives,” CERT programs across the country are empowering communities to take preparedness — and response — into their own hands. In Northwest Tarrant County, that mission is alive and well.
For John Gantt, longtime volunteer and current president, CERT isn’t just a program. It’s a calling. A Fort Worth native, he has spent the past two decades in service, from his early work with the Corsicana team to his leadership today with the Northwest Tarrant group.
CERT’s work centers on two primary goals. The first is public education. Through free monthly classes held at Saginaw Fire Station #1, residents learn how to prepare for emergencies before they happen. From assembling disaster kits to knowing what to do during extended power outages — like the Texas winter storm of 2021 — these sessions provide practical, actionable guidance. Held on the last Thursday of each month at 7 pm, the classes are open to anyone ready to feel more prepared.
The second mission begins when disaster strikes. CERT volunteers step in to support overwhelmed emergency services, helping manage the critical gap before full response teams can mobilize. Trained in light search and rescue, basic first aid, and emergency coordination, these volunteers can assess damaged buildings, assist injured neighbors, and even help secure utilities when needed.
Becoming CERT-certified involves a 24-hour training program covering eight core modules of disaster response. Graduates are equipped with essential gear, from first aid supplies to safety equipment, and most importantly, the confidence to act in a crisis.
CERT’s impact goes beyond disaster response. It’s woven into the fabric of the community. From Saginaw’s Train & Grain festival to Trunk or Treat, Fourth of July celebrations, and Easter egg hunts, volunteers are a familiar and welcoming presence. Whether handing out information or simply starting conversations, they’re building relationships and helping neighbors feel more prepared. With the support of local government sponsors, CERT remains deeply rooted in the
communities it serves.
