News
Second Annual CERT Exercise Held
Nearly 50 CERT volunteers had the opportunity to practice their life-saving skills on April 13th at the second annual Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) exercise. The day-long event took place at the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Training Center.
The volunteers began the day with a refresher CERT course that focused on fire suppression, medical operations and the Incident Command System.
After lunch, the exercise began with a mock news report by KCLV of an earthquake under Frenchman Mountain. The volunteers dispatched to the Incident Command Post, where they were organized into teams for search and rescue; medical operations and fire suppression. Once sent into the field of play, the teams encountered “damaged” buildings, fires and more than 70 actors who portrayed injured victims (with realistic-looking injuries). The exercise lasted approximately two hours.
“Our volunteers deserve the utmost credit,” said Southern Nevada CERT Program Specialist Mary Camin. “Their commitment, effort, and dedication are what make the Southern Nevada CERT program and this exercise possible.”
Thanks to all of the players; as well as the volunteers provided by Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, the city of Las Vegas Marshal’s Office, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada, UNLV, EMS Training Center of Southern Nevada and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Special thanks to Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Gary Suan for providing access to the Fire Training Center, as well as to Firehouse Subs for providing food to everyone involved.

CERT Instructor Honored for 1 October Efforts
The Oct. 1, 2017 shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas ended the lives of 58 people; hundreds more were injured. Some of the more than 20,000 concert-goers, however, survived thanks to the quick actions of people who attended the event.
One of those heroes is Southern Nevada CERT instructor Fernandez Leary.
Leary was attending the concert with family and friends. When the shooting started, his experience as a former fire chief and paramedic took over. Leary helped administer first aid to many people who sustained injuries from the shooting.
Now, Fernandez Leary is being recognized for his efforts. The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada named Fernandez Leary as one of the organization's 2018 Everyday Heroes. The annual awards are presented by the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada and Caesar's Entertainment, with support from KLAS-TV, Channel 8.
Thanks to Fernandez Leary for his life-saving actions at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, and thanks to the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada for giving him this much-deserved honor.
Watch the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Everyday Heroes Awards Banquet
Watch 8 News NOW's Story about Fernandez Leary
