Redondo Beach residents can sign up for two programs that train civilians to assist police and firefighters during emergencies, with the first session launching Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and the second on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

The Redondo Beach Police Department's Citizen Police Academy begins August 26 at no cost. The Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy follows on September 10 for $40 per resident. Both programs will be previewed at a North Redondo Beach Business Association breakfast on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the South Bay Galleria Community Room, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd.

Fire Captain Curt Mahoney will present the CERT program, and Police Sergeant John Banach will cover the Citizen Police Academy at the 7:45 a.m. event. Parking is on level 4 of the Galleria parking structure.

CERT Academy

The CERT Academy is a nine-week FEMA program that meets Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Redondo Beach Main Library, with one Saturday session. Graduation takes place at Fire Station 2 on Grant Avenue.

Topics include disaster preparedness, CPR and first aid, light search and rescue, terrorism preparedness, and team organization. Graduates may register as official disaster service workers for the city.

The $40 resident fee covers a CERT hard hat, CPR and first aid certification, a photo ID card, training manual, and graduation certificate. Non-residents pay $100 per person. Enrollment is capped at 40 people, according to the Redondo Beach Fire Department.

To register, contact Captain Mahoney at [email protected] or (310) 697-3271.

Citizen Police Academy

The Citizen Police Academy runs 13 weeks, meeting one night per week for three hours, according to the Redondo Beach Police Department. The curriculum includes SWAT demonstrations, criminal investigations, a ride-along with a patrol officer, K-9 demonstrations, firearms training at the police range, and pier and harbor patrol.

There is no cost to participate.

The police department accepts applications on a rolling basis. Residents can contact Officer Kyle Lofstrom at [email protected] or (310) 379-2477, ext. 3625, to request an application.

Preview event

The NRBBA "Rise & Shine Redondo" event runs Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the South Bay Galleria Community Room. The event is open to residents and business owners, with RSVPs accepted through the NRBBA website at nrbba.org.