With a focus on educating and keeping the county prepared for disasters, Putnam County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) recently earned national recognition for its efforts.
The volunteer based organization was honored at the National CERT Association conference in Plainfield for its excellence and unwavering commitment to serving Putnam County and its neighbors.
Sarah Owen, executive director, said the experience proved to be "incredibly valuable" for her team.
"They had the opportunity to network with other CERT teams from across the United States, as well as international partners. The training sessions and exchange of ideas were outstanding," Owen told The Putnam Count Post.
As for the honor, Owen said the organization was honored and genuinely surprised.
"Our team was there to both learn and present on how the national CERT model can be effectively adapted for rural communities. Receiving this recognition was deeply humbling and a testament to the unwavering dedication of our volunteers," Owen said.
Over the past decade, Putnam County CERT has committed countless hours to training and preparedness, allowing themselves to be equipped to handle anything that may come their way. C
"This is the essence of PC CERT: neighbors helping neighbors—whether next door or miles away. Our volunteers are always ready to step up and serve wherever they are needed," Owen said.
New hanger project ready to begin soon at Mid-American Air Center
Bridgeport deals with water system matters
Sumner moving forward with Route 50 waterline expansion project
Knox County (Ind.) man sentenced for crimes involving Illinois college
Gov. Pritzker announces expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIU - Edwardsville
2026 Illinois State Fairs' attendance tops 1 million for second consecutive year
Gas prices on the rise in Indiana
Lawrence County Board to host budget hearing
INDOT announcing Lincoln Memorial Bridge closure
Lawrenceville Police active over the weekend with two arrests
Another fatal accident in Wabash County
Lawrenceville approves water system contract changes and new ordinances
Burn ban issued for Lawrence and Richland Counties
IDHS warns against disaster assistance fraud
Richland County Illinois man sentenced on federal child porn charges
Illinois taking action to assist farmers during harvest season
Lawrence County Veterans Assistance Commission discusses superintendent hiring
Applications open for Indiana's Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program
Knox County approves solar setback ordinance on first reading
