York County CERT is 'heartbeat of resilient community'
- Tammy L Wells
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
ALFRED, Maine - A walloping snow and windstorm bore down on York County back in April 2024. Nearly 20 inches of heavy wet snow fell in parts of the county – and brought days-long power failures to many locations in southwestern Maine.
Acton residents Dan and Tammy Krampetz were okay during the storm – but they wondered, was everyone in town?
“We were landlocked for four days,” said Tammy Krampetz. “We were fine and had what we needed – but we weren’t sure our neighbors were.”
The couple started thinking about how they could be better equipped to help when bad storms or other emergency situations happen.
They found an opportunity with the volunteer York County Community Emergency Response Team, an initiative of the York County Emergency Management Agency.
And so did 30 others, from Parsonsfield to Kittery and locations in between. There was so much interest, a 20-hour certification class was held in January and February, and another began in March.
Members range from people in their mid-20s to late 70s and older, said YCEMA Training and Response Coordinator Scott Gagne. Some members belong to other EMA teams, some are former rescue personnel, firefighters, nurses or are engaged in other occupations, like real estate.
“There is a variety of experience, which is a strength,” said Gagne, who leads the team with YCEMA Deputy Director Megan Arsenault.
York County CERT functions to prepare the community for disasters, respond to incidents, and assist with recovery, said Arsenault. CERT members are trained to help others following emergencies until professional responders arrive, to assist responders by providing basic first aid and with tasks like traffic control and emergency communications. Members learn search and rescue operations, procedures for operating a shelter during an emergency, animal sheltering – and working as part of a team, each with defined responsibilities, as part of the overall emergency response by YCEMA and others.
Sometimes, York County CERT is asked to assist local communities during events that draw large numbers of people – like the recent LaKermesse parade. CERT volunteers closed streets and roads that empty onto Hill Street, prohibiting vehicles from entering and exiting the street from Biddeford Middle School to LaKermesse headquarters at St Louis Field as the parade passed by. There were dozens of families – most with children, lining Hill Street with eyes trained on the floats, police cruisers, fire trucks, and bands.
It was a slice of Americana, and thanks to the efforts of all agencies involved, it was a safe slice.
“There were no incidents and York County CERT got good feedback from the event's organizers and public safety personnel,” said Arsenault.
CERT member Jen Bridges of Arundel was stationed at the exit at Biddeford Primary School. A life insurance examiner by profession, she is a former volunteer firefighter with Arundel Fire Department, where her father, Jesse Thurston, was a member for 60 years.
“This is a great opportunity to give back, get involved,” in the community, she said.
Biddeford resident Jeff Clark, retired from the military, joined the YCEMA Emergency Communications team and then CERT.
“I like the potential to help people out that need help,” said Clark. “A lot of regular citizens are just not prepared,” when unexpected events take place.
Chris DeGrasse, a Parsonsfield landscaper with a background in emergency response, was stationed at the school’s exit. “Radio communications is my hobby,” he said. DeGrasse started volunteering with the YECMA Emergency Communications Team a year ago and from there, CERT.
Their next gig will be at the vastly popular Old Orchard Beach July 4 fireworks event, where CERT is to assist municipal first responders with traffic control.
They’ll be at Acton Fair in the latter part of August, handing out informational material and answering questions.
And they’ll be around and ready the next time an emergency requires their presence.
CERT member Susan Wiswell of Kittery walked the parade route, handing out preparedness information to families out enjoying the afternoon.
Wiswell joined as an offshoot of her involvement with YCEMA’s former County Animal Response Team, now incorporated into York County CERT. Also, part of the former animal response team and a CERT member is Debbie Higgins of Alfred who has been involved in bird rescue for many years. “I enjoy helping,” Higgins said.
Bill Catanesye of Sanford became involved in emergency management decades ago in Winthrop, Mass. A former Acton resident, he was involved in civil defense there, took up ham radio a decade ago – and is now a CERT member.
YCEMA is looking for additional team members. The next CERT Basic Training is planned for late summer or early fall. Folks can look for an announcement on YCEMA social media: Facebook, X, and Instagram: @yorkcountyema, or email: ema@yorkcountymaine.gov.
"York County EMA is very proud to have such an active CERT,” said Arsenault. “The team is made up almost exclusively of volunteers who dedicate their time to prepare for and respond to emergencies. They go through a formal vetting process and spend time each month meeting, training, and exercising their skills so they are ready to help at a moment's notice. CERT helps augment our agency's capacity to keep our community safe and adds so much value."
Gagne, too, is proud of the team and their dedication to the mission.
"A strong CERT is the heartbeat of a resilient community,” said Gagne. “They’re ready to act, support, and assist their neighbors when a large-scale emergency or disaster happens.
