Brookline Medical Reserve Corps, Response Team Thank Volunteers

Brookline MA

07 October, 2021

11:16 AM

Description

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline's Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hosted an appreciation night for volunteers last week at Veterans Post, with about 60 people in attendance. The event began with dinner and networking, followed by opening remarks from CERT Coordinator Sgt. Casey Hatchett, Chair of Brookline Emergency Management Team Fire Chief John Sullivan, and Acting Health Commissioner Patrick Maloney. The evening concluded with an awards ceremony. "The last year and a half, you have gone above and beyond in unimaginable ways. Our town and our fellow residents were safer and healthier because of your brave efforts during such a dangerous and uncertain time," said Hatchett. "Your work literally saved lives. I thank everyone in this room for your contribution whether big or small to the town's COVID response and recovery." MRC and CERT have about 700 volunteers combined. These individuals typically assist with a variety of activities, including staffing Boston Marathon reception centers, assisting displaced residents after fires, stocking equipment trailers, staffing flu clinics, helping with community events, and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers distributed informational flyers, staffed the food pantry and COVID antibody testing events, sewed masks, made wellness calls to homebound and isolated seniors, and more. Awards were given to these volunteers and staff members for their service: Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Cheryl Snyder and former Brookline Nurse Barbara Westley were presented with the 2020-2021 Community Emergency Preparedness Appreciation Awards.Volunteers Marjorie Trovato and Susan Katz Gilman were honored with the 2020-2021 Trudy Cohen Volunteer Service Awards. If you're interested in volunteering for the Town of Brookline, click here.