While many others chose to sit back and whine their way through one of the coldest winters we’ve seen in a while, a group of volunteers at the Honeydew CPF took the initiative and underwent basic first aid and firefighting training.
The two-day training course took place on 9 and 10 June at Randburg Fire Station, and was organised for the CPF members by the Assistant Director of Operations at the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS), Gershin Chetty.
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The course was conducted in association with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, EMS, and Disaster Management Johannesburg. Those who participated in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programme are now certified in basic firefighting and first aid, two qualities that will undoubtedly aid the CPF members in their efforts to protect the community.
According to Honeydew CPF public relations officer, Jon Rosenberg, this is not the end when it comes to training for the CPF members. “Some of us who attended the course definitely want to undergo further training in first aid, as we feel this gives us a bit of an edge when it comes to helping the community,” he said. Jon also mentioned that the next step in terms of training for the CPF will be a hazardous materials (hazmat) course, also in association with the same organisations that assisted with the acquiring of their basic qualifications.
As the CPF, they are also still facing some challenges, and could definitely use assistance wherever possible. “At the moment, we’ve got guys who have to double up on their patrols because we simply don’t have enough volunteers,” Jon said. “If one person simply gives up four hours every month, that lightens the load for every other CPF member.”
If you would be interested in volunteering for and assisting the Honeydew CPF, you can contact Jon on 082 450 2305.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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