Gov. Jay Inslee recently honored Issaquah volunteers Mike Crossley and Bruce Wendt for years of service to community emergency preparedness and response programs.
Crossley, a longtime member of the Issaquah Communications Support Team, has volunteered several thousand hours to our community during the last seven years.
Crossley started with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as a radio operator, and worked his way into a pivotal role as radio officer. He then took over the leadership role for the Issaquah Communications Support Team, creating communications plans to ensure reliable, alternative communications in times of need.
In addition, Crossley and his team designed, built and donated use of a custom communications trailer to serve the City and community during disasters.
Wendt has played a key role in Issaquah’s CERT since joining the group in 2007. After becoming a CERT instructor, he went on to become the City’s CERT coordinator, where he provides invaluable service in organizing CERT classes each year.
Wendt, a recipient of three presidential awards for hours served, continues to volunteer at every opportunity, including doing offsite recovery after the 2014 Oso landslide.
Mayor Fred Butler and the Issaquah City Council honored Crossley and Wendt — as well as members of the Issaquah Communications Support Team and CERT — during the June 1, 2015, council meeting. The following volunteers received recognition for service:
Issaquah Communications Support Team volunteers
• Jerry Amrine
• Henri Beaudoin
• Gerard Hickey
• Sandra Howard
• Rod Johnson
• Aaron Morrow
• Flash Parlini
• Erich Wiesinger
CERT volunteers
• Alan Bramwell
• Jeremy Grady
• William Merritt
• Scott Petty
• Cathy Robinson
• Susan Waters
Now is a great time to get involved in the Issaquah Communications Support Team and CERT.
CERT training is offered twice a year (fall and spring) to our community members. With the training, you can make a difference to protect and save lives during a disaster. The next training starts in September.
To learn more about community emergency preparedness and response programs, go to issaquahcitizencorps.org.