BERLIN—Town officials are wasting little time putting a newly acquired resource to good use in a Berlin police officer, who earned certification to instruct both first responders and the public on certain types of emergency medical care on July 17.

Pfc. Jessica Collins is certified to instruct law enforcement officers on how to render care in emergency situations, which she pointed out was important because police officers are frequently the first responders in situations that also require ambulance and fire responders. Her training and recertification by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and the Maryland Police Training Commission, will allow her to teach at the academy as well as locally when needed, she said.

The additional course, which was certified through the American Heart Association, will authorize Collins to train members of the public—individuals or organizations— as well as the law enforcement community, she said. Her training for the public would consist of a four- to six-hour session with instruction on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automatic external defibrillator usage and first aid, she said.

Human Resources Director Jeffrey Fleetwood announced at the Aug. 12 town council meeting that the town will host free training sessions for town employees on Sept. 4 and 24.

Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing also said at the meeting that he was working with Worcester County Sheriff’s Department officials to coordinate a stepped up safety awareness effort for the start of school, which begins Aug. 26, and the upcoming Bike Week in mid-September, when significantly more motorcycles will be on area roadways.

The Berlin Police Department and Bank of Ocean City will again launch their “Buckle Up for a Buck” and “Penny For Luck” campaigns, to promote seat belt usage and raise awareness on the dangers of not buckling up.

For the campaign, the Bank of Ocean City will donate one dollar bills, which will be distributed to student drivers of vehicles in which all their passengers are properly buckled up when they arrive at school.  Drivers who arrive to school unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts saving lives and reducing injuries, and also received a penny for luck, according to the department.

Individuals who would also like to receive CPR, AED, and first aid training can call the police department directly at 410-641-1333.