NAIFA-FL Immediate Past State President Joseph Chalom, CLU, RICP, LUTCF, LACP was recently installed as the Program Chief for the Coral Springs-Parkland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Chalom joined the CERT in 2013, after completing the 25-hour basic training program. The CERT program is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Basic training includes disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, CERT organization, disaster psychology, and terrorism. In addition, the Coral Springs-Parkland CERT provides CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training.

Chalom has completed the CERT "Train the Trainer" program and several FEMA Emergency Management Institute classes. He was the recipient of the 2018 Coral Springs-Parkland Community Emergency Response Team Member of the Year.

The Coral Springs-Parkland CERT serves a vital role in supporting the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department providing soft rehabilitation for firefighters at working fires. In addition, they respond to searches for missing persons and a variety of other community-based needs. The all-volunteer Coral Springs-Parkland CERT stands ready to assist the community when needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Chalom is a veteran 31-year NAIFA member and President of Retirement Council, Inc., located in Coral Springs, Florida. They provide financial advisory services to both Main Street America and the affluent. Retirement Council, Inc., is a NAIFA 100% Agency.

NAIFA members like Joe Chalom are committed to volunteerism and making a difference in their communities. We are #NAIFAproud to count Joe among our members.