The Citizen Auxiliary Resource Team:

Creating a Safer Community Through Volunteering

Volunteers are the unsung heroes who dedicate their time, skills and energy to address a wide range of challenges. Whether it’s lending a hand in support of local charities, mentoring youth or conserving the environment, volunteers play a pivotal role in shaping a caring community.

The Citizen Auxiliary Resource Team (C.A.R.T) is one of the volunteer teams in Westerville that work diligently to support the Westerville Division of Fire (WFD), its members and programs. Central to their mission is to minimize life loss, suffering and property damage resulting from fire, medical and environmental emergencies within the community through public education, code management and incident response.

Volunteers in the program work together to support the WFD in its mission to provide professional response teams that are well trained, properly equipped and hold public safety to the highest standard. Areas where members are utilized include general administrative support, support at training and public education activities and other support duties assigned by Division of Fire Chief Brian Miller.

“C.A.R.T. has been an amazing asset to the WFD. I cannot express how proud I am to have them as part of our team,” said Chief Miller. “They have supported our operations by helping with fire prevention activities, helping us search for lost children and adults and adding more boots-onthe-ground and eyes on the streets.”

C.A.R.T. is a program open to all graduates of the WFD Citizens Fire Academy and individuals that possess special talents of interest that may be utilized by the WFD.

“At a moment’s notice C.A.R.T. members drop everything to help the citizens of Westerville in searches and with first aid,” said Rick Hilyard, Westerville resident and C.A.R.T. member since 2015. “Every month we meet and train to help Fire and Police search for missing citizens of Westerville.”

Hilyard was inspired to join C.A.R.T after participating in the Citizen’s Academy, Citizen’s Police Academy, and the Fire Academy. For Hilyard, the hands-on nature of the program was the most exciting aspect.

“I remember one specific moment I am incredibly proud of,” said Hilyard. “About three years ago an older adult had gone missing and the C.A.R.T. team was able to have eyes on the entirety of the City in about three hours. That was really impressive.”

“C.A.R.T. embodies our mission of helping people and has helped us make a valuable contribution to the communities we serve,” said Chief Miller.