November 28, 2023
City Council
DATE: November 28, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Bana
Subject:
Proclamation Recognizing Diane Richwine for
Leadership and Service in Emergency Preparedness
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related to this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Ms. Diane Richwine deserves recognition for her
exceptional work in emergency preparedness and her
dedication to the Community Emergency Response
Teams (CERT).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing Diane Richwine for
Exceptional Leadership and Service to the City of
Richmond Community Emergency Response Team –
Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond recognizes the importance of being prepared for emergencies, especially due to our proximity to the Hayward Fault with a significant risk of major earthquakes. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an essential educational outlet for residents to learn valuable disaster response skills, such AGENDA
REPORT
November 28, 2023
as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
Diane Richwine has exemplified remarkable leadership by keeping the CERT volunteers connected with the Fire Department, and organizing and conducting the 2023 CERT Academy, including nine 3-hour classes and one 4-hour emergency drill.
Her efforts led to the successful graduation of twenty Richmond residents, an accomplishment made more notable by the fact that there were no dropouts, and the student evaluations of the classes were overwhelmingly positive. This initiative under Diane Richwine’s stewardship represents a successful collaboration between the community and the Fire Department, strengthening the city’s capacity to respond to emergencies. The evident interest and participation of the community, underscored by the easy recruitment of twenty participants and a current waiting list, highlight the value Richmond residents place on being prepared for and capable of responding to emergencies.
Diane Richwine’s dedication to community preparedness and her tireless work to ensure the safety and preparedness of the Richmond community serve as an inspiration to us all. Through her dedication and exceptional leadership, Diane has revitalized this essential program after a period of closure during the COVID pandemic, directly enhancing the emergency readiness of our residents and thereby significantly contributing to the safety and resilience of our entire city.
The CERT program under Diane’s guidance serves not only to prepare individuals for the initial response to disasters but also fosters a culture of mutual aid and community support that is indispensable in times of crisis. Volunteers such as Charmain Tyler, David Swanson, and Jeff Miller have been instrumental in assisting Diane Richwine with the CERT program, dedicating a significant amount of time and effort, and without whom the successes of the recent CERT Academy would not have been possible.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation