The City of Weston entrusts the Broward Sheriff’s Office with the responsibility of safeguarding our community by delivering police and fire rescue services. To enhance these essential services, both adults and teenagers residing in Weston have the opportunity to participate in various volunteer programs. These dedicated volunteers can complement and support the efforts of law enforcement and fire rescue, fostering a stronger sense of community and collective safety.
Community Emergency Response Team
When faced with an emergency, Weston’s Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) stands ready to respond. So far, BSO Fire Rescue has trained close to 100 residents in fundamental disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team coordination, and disaster medical operations.
Should a catastrophe exceed the capacities of local responders, CERT members are equipped to apply the knowledge gained from classroom instruction and practical exercises to provide vital assistance to their families, neighbors, and the entire community.
Visit www.westonfl.org/government/fire-rescue-and-emergency-medical-services/community-emergency-response-team#ad-image-0 to learn how you can become involved with CERT
BSO Explorers
The Broward Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Explorer Program offers teenagers and young adults, aged 14 to 21, a chance to engage with law enforcement officers in a structured and disciplined environment. Through this program, Explorers get to learn and experience the essence of lawful citizenship as they actively participate alongside certified BSO deputies in continuous training and various
community service projects.
Visit www.sheriff.org/LE/Pages/Law-Enforcement-Explorers.aspx to learn how you can become involved with BSO Explorers
BSO Fire Rescue Cadets
The BSO Fire Rescue Cadets undergo a structured and disciplined course focused on teamwork and responsibility, where they are introduced to fire fighting and rescue techniques. The program includes comprehensive training in fire suppression, first aid, CPR, apparatus handling, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials mitigation, among other areas.
As part of the experience, Cadets can actively participate in the Ride-Along program, accompanying fire fighters and paramedics on real emergency calls, providing them with a firsthand understanding of the responsibilities of first responders. This enriching program is open to youths aged 14 to 21.
Visit www.sheriff.org/Community/Pages/Fire-Rescue-Cadets.aspx to learn how you can become involved with the BSO Fire-Rescue Explorers
Citizen Observer Patrol (C.O.P.)
The Citizen Observer Patrol (C.O.P.) is a volunteer program, proudly sponsored by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), designed to bolster neighborhood safety by involving residents actively. COP volunteers act as the vigilant eyes and ears of the community, collaborating with BSO to enhance policing efforts.
They contribute to crime prevention by patrolling the area, keeping an eye out for suspicious activities and potential hazards, while also offering assistance to local residents. Alongside regular patrols, their responsibilities include checking unoccupied residences at the owner’s request, attending to elderly or homebound residents as needed, and promptly reporting potential issues and neighborhood hazards to BSO.
COP volunteers are identifiable by their uniforms and specially marked vehicles, reinforcing the crime-fighting presence within the community. All volunteers receive professional training from members of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Countywide Operations, ensuring their preparedness and effectiveness
in safeguarding the neighborhoods
they serve.
Visit www.sheriff.org/LE/Pages/COP-(Citizen-Observer-Patrol).aspx to learn more about joining the Citizen Observer Patrol, or call the Weston District Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-389-2010.
