Malibu CERT honored nationally for service during devastating fires

By Barbara Burke · Sun Sep 27 2026

National CERT Association recognizes Malibu team for extraordinary response during the Franklin, Broad and Palisades fires as volunteers prepare the community for the next emergency

Malibu’s Community Emergency Response Team was widely applauded by the National CERT Association at its annual conference on Aug. 28 for the local chapter’s tireless support of residents and first responders during and after the Franklin, Broad, and Palisades fires. The national organization awarded Malibu CERT with the “Team in Action” award. 

One thing is for certain — when there’s a disaster, Malibu’s CERT helps greatly

Residents may well recall Malibu CERT’s omnipresence as it helped dispense emergency supplies at the repopulation staging zone in the Malibu Pier parking lot during the lengthy closure of the Pacific Coast Highway and provided residents with information and support during the repopulation effort. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Capt. Dustin A. Carr of the Malibu/Lost Hills Station described the scope and efficacy of Malibu CERT’s supportive efforts in a letter to the National CERT organization advocating for Malibu CERT to receive the award. Noting that the Palisades Fire forced the evacuation and relocation of Malibu’s own Emergency Operations Center, Carr stated, “Despite the displacement of their operational command and threats to their own homes, Malibu CERT members selflessly mobilized, establishing an unwavering frontline presence to assist their neighbors in their time of crisis.” Elaborating, Carr noted, “During the catastrophic, wind-driven 2025 Palisades Fire, the Malibu CERT team demonstrated extraordinary teamwork, exceptional inter-agency coordination and a profound, life-sustaining impact on the Malibu community during an unprecedented regional crisis.” 

The true measure of Malibu CERT’s impact, the captain opined, was felt during the extensive, multi-week displacement and subsequent repopulation phases when CERT members “stood side-by-side with the Red Cross, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Department of Public Health and provided hundreds of returning residents with essential recovery kits — including water, masks, gloves and flashlights — while delivering crucial disaster relief and safety information.”

Richard Garvey, Malibu CERT leader, reflected on the efforts during and after the wildfires, “Coordinating with Capt. Jen Seetoo, Sgt. Craig Soderlund, now Capt. Dustin Carr and Susan Duenas, Malibu’s Public Safety Director, our CERT team worked after the fires to help citizens in any way we could.” 

CERT is not an organization inclined to rest on its laurels

Even as Malibu CERT was awarded recognition, its members are focusing on the upcoming wildfire and rainy seasons. Whenever support for disaster response or traffic management is needed, Malibu CERT is there.  Whether help is needed even as our town burns or endures mudslides, CERT responds quickly and competently. CERT also ensures that traffic is conducted safely at various community gatherings, such as when Malibu celebrates the Fourth of July with its beloved Point Dume Parade. Simply stated, in times both challenging and celebratory, Malibu CERT is an integral part of our community.

CERT Malibu helps residents be prepared, not scared  

As the organization marks 40 years in Malibu, it gears up for yet another possibly challenging wildfire and rainy season and does all it can to prepare Malibu should an earthquake occur. Readers who are interested in becoming part of Malibu CERT’s community volunteer efforts and/or in learning how to prepare themselves, their families, or businesses for wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters may learn more about the organization’s classes at MalibuCity.org/CERT or by emailing PublicSafety@malibucity.org. Basic training starts Sept. 22 at Malibu City Hall. The series of six classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting on Sept. 22 through Oct. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Malibu Library, with the CERT final class-drill on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Malibu City Hall. Through hands-on training, participants learn the most up-to-date information regarding disaster preparedness, the use of fire extinguishers, disaster medical care, first aid, search and rescue, disaster psychology, and neighborhood team building.