Wallingford CERT Members Represent at 2025 Connecticut CERT Day
Rob K1RCT, Mike KC1VQY, and Shawn KC1NQE proudly represented Wallingford CERT at the 2025 Connecticut CERT Day, hosted this year at Central Connecticut State University. The event brought together CERT members and leaders from across the state for a day of learning, networking, and collaboration. For the Wallingford team, it was more than just a day of workshops—it was a chance to connect with fellow volunteers, share ideas, and bring home new tools to strengthen their local program.
The day kicked off with the CERT Program Manager Roundtable, a gathering that drew experienced program leads and newer managers alike. Rob, Mike, and Shawn joined in the conversation, sharing Wallingford’s approach to volunteer engagement and training while listening to others discuss everything from recruitment challenges to building relationships with local emergency services. The roundtable quickly became a dynamic exchange of ideas, with participants offering support, encouragement, and practical strategies to one another. The Wallingford team left the session energized and full of new perspectives to bring back to their own community.
Next up was a forward-thinking session on Artificial Intelligence and Emergency Management. While the topic might have sounded technical at first glance, the presentation was accessible and engaging. The speaker guided the group through real-world examples of how AI is being used to forecast disasters, assist with emergency planning, and even streamline training simulations. The session also explored the limitations and ethical concerns of AI—important reminders that technology must be used thoughtfully, especially in the high-stakes world of emergency response. Rob, Mike, and Shawn saw exciting possibilities in these tools, particularly for improving situational awareness and resource coordination during incidents.
The final session of the day focused on the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)—a critical framework for designing and evaluating emergency response drills. This session provided a hands-on look at how to build exercises that not only test a team’s readiness but also identify areas for growth. As longtime advocates for preparedness through practice, the Wallingford team appreciated the structured approach HSEEP offers. They came away with actionable ideas to enhance future drills and community outreach events in Wallingford.
By the end of the day, Rob, Mike, and Shawn walked away with more than just notes and handouts—they returned with renewed energy and a deeper sense of connection to the broader CERT community. The sessions sparked new ideas, reinforced best practices, and offered a glimpse into the future of emergency response. Most importantly, the experience reaffirmed their commitment to the mission of CERT: neighbors helping neighbors, and communities standing stronger together. With fresh insights and strengthened partnerships, the Wallingford CERT team is more prepared than ever to serve, support, and lead in times of need.
