From December 2024 through September 2025, the Community Emergency Response Volunteers of the Monterey Peninsula (CERV) has continued its strong commitment to disaster readiness by supporting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs throughout Monterey County. These vital programs are sponsored by the Monterey Fire Department, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Carmel Police Department, working in tandem with local volunteers to keep residents informed, trained, and prepared.
Empowering Local CERT Programs
With funding from the Community Foundation for Monterey County, the Carmel Rotary Club, and the City of Carmel, CERV supported targeted initiatives developed by CERT programs in Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Carmel-By-The-Sea. These grants demonstrate what’s possible when community-based organizations unite behind a shared mission of safety and resilience.
Carmel Valley CERT
CERV provided over $20,000 in support to Carmel Valley CERT to enhance their ability to serve remote communities. These funds enabled:
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Hands-on CERT training
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Purchase of essential gear: uniforms, radios, tools
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Emergency equipment: solar panels, electric bikes, drones with specialized training
These resources significantly extended the reach, speed, and safety of CERT operations. (Leaders: Carolyne & Greg Profeta)
Big Sur CERT
With approximately $10,000 in funding, Big Sur CERT refurbished a donated 2005 ARC/HC Wells Cargo trailer. Upgrades included:
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New tires
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A charged battery system
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Upgraded safety gear
The trailer allows for safer and faster response across Big Sur’s challenging terrain. (Leaders: Martha Karsten & Hal Latta)
Carmel-By-The-Sea CERT
Through a $9,800 grant from the Carmel Rotary Fund and $3,000 from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CERV helped fund:
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A mobile Incident Command Trailer
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First aid supplies
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Uniforms and communication tools
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Emergency response training
These resources enable Carmel CERT to serve with speed and coordination. (Leaders: Wanda Volmer & Scot Smythe)
Explore CERV’s Impact Over the Years
To see the full scope of how CERV has helped Monterey County over the years, visit our How We’ve Helped page: https://www.cerv501c3.org/pages/how-weve-helped
There you’ll find dozens of impactful initiatives including:
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Disaster relief after major storms and wildfires
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Housing support for MPUSD families
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Training and resources for underserved communities through Listos California
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Equipment grants and CERT program development since 2012
These efforts reflect CERV’s enduring mission: to support vulnerable populations, build disaster resilience, and strengthen community response.
Whether by providing emergency supplies or supporting community training, CERV is proud to partner with local CERT leaders and agencies who embody emergency preparedness in action. To learn more about how to support or join a CERT team in your area, visit https://www.cerv501c3.org.
