On Thursday Jan. 9, Newark Mayor Michael Hannon recognized Garry Zatarain, a member of the Newark Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), for over two decades of service during a City Council meeting on Jan. 9, 2025.
In a formal commendation, Zatarain was praised for his exceptional leadership and commitment to emergency preparedness since joining CERT in 2001. Serving as a CERT Board Member since 2003, Zatarain has played a key role in advancing the program’s mission of community resilience and volunteerism.
“As we see what’s happening down in southern California, the tragedies, the people that have lost lives, the people that have lost their homes, homes they worked to acquire that have been family homes for decades…it just reminds us why public safety and community participation when it comes to responding to emergencies is so important,” said Newark Mayor Micheal Hannon.
Zatarain’s contributions include supporting Cal Fire’s response during the CZU Fire by working in the communications center at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and ensuring the program’s continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts extended to promoting CERT at community events such as the 4th of July Pancake Breakfast, Newark Days and National Night Out.
The mayor also highlighted Zatarain’s technical contributions, such as upgrading CERT communication equipment to enhance operational readiness and developing the Newark CERT Task Book, a critical resource for current and future members.
“Garry Zatarain’s unwavering commitment to emergency preparedness and community resilience exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and civic duty,” Mayor Hannon said.
With a round of applause, the City of Newark expressed its gratitude to Zatarain for his years of selfless service.
