C.E.R.T. PHOTOS ~

Correctional Emergency Response Team

History

 

1989

In October, the state correctional institution, Camp Hill, had several riots over the course of three days.  Due to these disturbances, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) started to develop their Emergency Response Teams.

 

 

1999

Commissioner Thomas Costello realized the need for  emergency reponse teams (CERT) in the PPS. Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Earl Hatcher, assigned the task of putting a team together to Captain Rodney Brockenbrough, who was the Unit's first Commander.

By the end of the year, 60 officers and 9 supervisors were identified for the team.  In 1999 and 2000 the supervisors took part in various training exercises with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as instructors and team leaders.They were certified by the PADOC as CERT instructors.

 

 

2000

Captain Brockenbrough was promoted to Deputy Warden in June of 2000. 

Captain James Dinubile was assigned as Commander. 

 

In August & September of 2000, 60 officers took part in the first PPS C.E.R.T. Academy.  

 

 

2002

Captain Dinubile was promoted to Deputy Warden in August 2002. 

 

Deputy Commissioner John Murphy was in charge of CERT and assigned command of the Unit to Lieutenant Gerald May in September 2002.  The numbers of the unit had decreased so interviews and tryouts were held for new members.  Additional equipment was ordered.  Training and utilization of the team increased. 

 

 

2003

 

Another CERT Academy of supervisors and officers was held in January & February of 2003.  CERT was given the responsibility of overseeing PPS radios and the distribution of OC spray. 

 

 

2004

 

Lt. May was selected as Employee of the Year for 2004 for his hard work and dedication to the Unit.

 

 

2005

Lt. May was promoted to Captain in September 2005 and assigned to the Detention Center.

Deputy Commissioner Murphy assigned Lieutenant Edward Miranda command of the Unit in September of 2005. 

 

 

2006

 

Three more C.E.R.T. academies (34 officers) were held in 2006.  At the present time, there are 69 officers and 23 supervisors assigned. 

 

C.E.R.T. was selected as the 2005 Unit of the Year in the PPS.