“06880” reader Burt Grad nominates Ernie and Zulma Heidelberg as Unsung Heroes.
Unfortunately, for Ernie it’s a posthumous honor. He died on Friday, at 85.
They were long and active members of the Westport Community Emergency Response Team. Ernie was president for 13 years; she helped him run it.
CERT is one of Westport’s most important — and unheralded — volunteer organizations. It provides aid during and after hurricanes, blizzards, power and communication failures — you name it. If Westport needs help, CERT is there.
They’re there for non-emergencies too. CERT assists at big public events, like the Compo Beach fireworks. And they offer education programs in personal preparedness, active shooter awareness and response, and situations involving domestic and international terrorism.
Zulma and Ernie Heidelberg (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
During their long service, Ernie and Zulma made CERT a strong, well-trained organization that is little know, but always present.
Ernie also coordinated with other area CERTs to provide cross-training and mutual assistance.
Ernie and Zulma were born in Argentina, and moved to the US as adults. Ernie worked for IBM, then at the American Society for Mechanical Engineers. Zulma was a bilingual school psychologist in New Haven until recently.
Ernie and Zulma epitomize quiet, committed service to Westport. Today we thank them for their work — and honor Ernie’s memory.
(Email Unsung Hero nominations to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support “06880,” please click here.)
Bravo bravo bravo! So well-deserved. Missing Ernie😥😥😥
When I took the 20 hour CERT training course several years ago, Ernie was President of Westport CERT, with Zulma close by his side. Together, they helped grow CERT into what it has become today: a well-respected organization with 50 volunteers, assisting both the town of Westport’s and Weston’s police, fire and EMT departments. Ernie and Zulma loved their time volunteering with CERT and considered its members part of their extended family; the feeling was mutual. They are not only cherished within the emergency management sector but also held in the highest regard by all who have had the privilege of knowing them. Ernie’s absence will be deeply felt, and his legacy will continue to inspire.
David Kinyon
Vice President, Westport-Weston CERT
What an amazing service and amazing people to provide it. Thank you CERT volunteers!