Wilton CERT Supports Wilton Pride 2026 

with Teamwork, Professionalism, and Community Spirit

On Sunday, May 31st, Wilton CERT provided traffic control and pedestrian safety for the annual Wilton Pride celebration on the Town Green. Old Ridgefield Road was closed for the event, transforming the center of town into a vibrant, walkable festival space. It was a beautiful late spring day—perfect weather for our first planned deployment of the season following the cancellation of the 2026 Memorial Day Parade.

The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, with attendees enjoying a full lineup of vendors, community organizations, performances, and local favorites. While the day felt effortless and festive for the public, Wilton CERT volunteers were hard at work behind the scenes ensuring that safety, traffic flow, and accessibility remained seamless from start to finish.

A Deployment Built on Training, Coordination, and Teamwork

Fresh off our recent Traffic Management refresher training, CERT volunteers put those skills into action. With the closure of a main road and detours in place, our focus was clear: maintain safe and predictable movement for both vehicles and pedestrians throughout the day.

A total of 22 Wilton CERT members were deployed across four Posts, each led by a Post Captain. Three Deployment Captains oversaw operations across the site. As always, Post Captains set the tone—modeling calm leadership, clear communication, and steady decision making that keeps every CERT aligned and effective.

Traffic control is a team effort. Volunteers must stay alert, anticipate driver behavior, and adjust hand signals instantly. At the same time, they guide pedestrians safely across the roadway, offering friendly communication that supports the welcoming atmosphere of the Pride celebration. Hand signals, radio communication, verbal cues, and high visibility are essential tools—but teamwork is what makes it all work.

Supporting one another is critical. A momentary distraction can interrupt the flow of traffic, so CERTs rely on each other for coverage, awareness, and quick response. When everyone is in sync, the result is a safe, smooth, and positive experience for the public.

Long Hours, Careful Setup, and Strong Coordination

The deployment spanned three shifts, beginning with a 7:00 AM setup and continuing through vendor breakdown and the reopening of Old Ridgefield Road at 5:00 PM.

To create a safe and clearly defined event perimeter, CERT volunteers deployed 171 pieces of equipment, including road signs, cones, and barriers. These tools help maintain safe working positions for volunteers and reduce unnecessary interactions with drivers or pedestrians. Throughout the day, CERT worked closely with the Wilton Police Department to ensure consistent communication and coordinated traffic management.

Professionalism That Strengthens Community Trust

Wilton CERT volunteers once again demonstrated the professionalism, teamwork, and community spirit that define our organization. While the work is demanding—requiring focus, stamina, and constant situational awareness—volunteers reported a meaningful and positive experience. The public felt safe, the event ran smoothly, and CERT members supported one another every step of the way.

Events like Wilton Pride highlight what CERT does best: show up for the community, work as a cohesive team, and help create safe, welcoming spaces where Wilton can come together and celebrate.