When a child goes missing, a storm knocks out power, or a crash closes a major road, the Village of Crete Emergency Management Agency is among the first to respond. Right now, they’re looking for new members.
The all-volunteer agency, which operates a team of 10 to 20 members, is actively recruiting Crete-area residents ready to serve their community when it matters most. EMA officers work alongside police, fire, and public works departments on active scenes, handling everything from search and rescue and weather spotting to traffic control and emergency operations logistics.
“Emergencies don’t wait,” the agency says. “Neither do we.”
Operating out of an 8,000-square-foot facility on Exchange Street, Crete EMA maintains a fleet of emergency vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, an incident command trailer, and scene lighting equipment. The agency primarily serves the Village of Crete but also deploys across Will and southern Cook Counties when mutual aid is needed.
Officials say the role offers more than just community service. Volunteers gain hands-on emergency response training and practical skills that translate to everyday life and, for some, can open doors to careers in public safety.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in the Village of Crete or Crete Township, hold a valid driver’s license, and pass a physical exam and background check. Candidates cannot currently be affiliated with another EMA, ESDA, or fire department and must be available for regular trainings.
Those interested can apply at join.creteema.org
