The Los Angeles Fire Department CERT Program is proud to introduce this month’s Spotlight LAFD Central CERT Bureau Coordinator, Dr. Carolyn O Burleson.
Dr. Carolyn O Burleson hails from the East Coast where she was employed as an English Teacher in the Philadelphia School District and Director of their Intercultural Learning Project. She moved to Los Angeles in 1987 and worked with Los Angeles Unified School District as a Language Development Specialist, Digital High School Technology Coordinator and Advisor with the LAUSD Intern Program. She retired in 2005 after 40 years as an Educator teaching students and training teachers.
Carolyn’s move to LosAngeles was immediately met with a frightening welcome, as she experienced first hand the awesome force and devastating aftermath of 1987’s Whittier Narrows Earthquake that struck just a little after 7:30 in the morning.
In the early 90’s Carolyn’s first exposure to CERT was during an educators’ in-service training by the Fire Department. It wasn’t until years later that Carolyn stumbled across the internet based training course titled IS-317, “Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams” that would lead her to successfully completing the CERT Basic Training.
Her passion and demonstrated leadership qualities did not go unnoticed by the Los Angeles Fire Department CERT Program. In 2011 Carolyn was appointed to a LAFD CERT Battalion Coordinator. The position would encompass the communities of Los Angeles within the LAFD’s Battalion 11.
In 2013 Carolyn’s talents were called upon once again when she was asked to assume the additional responsibilities for the coordinator position formerly known as the LAFD CERT South Division Coordinator. Since 2015, Carolyn has been proudly serving as the LAFD Operations Central Bureau CERT Coordinator. As a certified CERT Instructor it is no surprise the level of participation from attendees during her facilitated training to help CERT members to hone their skills. As Education Director, Carolyn has designed several exercises and training sessions that have enhanced learning opportunities for CERT graduates. She has been recognized by Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas and the Los Angeles Fire Commission for her work with the LAFD CERT program.
When asked, what Carolyn believes the best part of CERT is, “the opportunity to work side by side with the most caring people one would ever want to know, both with the Los Angeles Fire Department and fellow CERT Volunteers.”
If the role of a CERT Bureau Coordinator wasn’t enough, Carolyn also is a RedCross Emergency Medical Response Instructor, conducting training in FirstAid and Stop the Bleed. She is also an active amateur radio operator as a member of the LAFD Auxiliary Communications Service.
A 25 year resident of the RampartVillage community Carolyn serves as the Chairperson of the Rampart Village Neighborhood Council – RVNC EmergencyPreparedness and Planning Committee. Carolyn is a humble individual, resulting in, not many being aware that she was recently honored by the LACityCouncil for her role in the development of the RVNC CommunityEmergencyPlan.
Carolyn’s selfless contributions to her community, her unwavering commitment to the LAFD, and the level of dedication in support of CERT Training available for all Angelenos, exemplifies her tremendous character. In a time where social interaction among one another typically entails a “hashtag”, Carolyn’s community engagement through her infectious positive attitude and welcoming smile is truly a privilege to experience.
Dr. Carolyn O Burleson’s sets the example for others to follow, as she continues to provide residents the steps to Be Disaster Ready, improving resiliency here in Los Angeles. Carolyn’s personality embodies the CERT motto of “The Greatest Good, for the Greatest Number of People.” She is an asset to the Lafd Cert Unit and we are honored to introduce Carolyn as this month’s LAFD CERT spotlight. Thank You Carolyn Odom Burleson.
