Annual Recognition Ceremony
Presented at the Wilton CERT Annual Meeting — December 10, 2025
Tom Gunther
I first met him as a small smiling face in a Zoom Basic Training Class during the COVID Pandemic, welcoming what seemed to me to be hundreds of fellow trainees by name. Everyone seemed to be so happy to see him.
A few years later, out of the blue he asked me to join the Board when there was an opening. I was so honored. He has taught us all how to lead through example and has always been willing to lend his time, advice and guidance.
Tom Gunther has been a Mentor to me and I think to many of us during his 5 years as Executive Director of Wilton CERT and I hope he will continue to be for many years to come. Thank you for everything you have given Wilton CERT.
Jane Burns
I wish to recognize Jane Burns for her many years writing and publishing our CERT Newsletter, getting our word out via social media and the local press — extolling all the various activities we have accomplished while providing meaningful exposure to what we do: our annual Disaster Preparedness Class for citizens, and telling the stories of CERT through her "Member Profiles."
Folks all across the state, and in State Government, know about Wilton CERT because of Jane's initiatives and hard work. We thank you, Jane!
Heather Tietjen, Robin Asken & Barli Nugent
Early this year, the CERT board discussed tangible ways we could improve our organization by retaining members, activating greater participation and recruiting new volunteers. We agreed to establish a new team dedicated to directly engage our membership with innovative ideas and compelling activations.
Heather Tietjen and her original team of Robin Asken and Barli Nugent exceeded expectations by elevating our membership outreach to entirely new heights. By emphasizing open dialogue, respect and genuine interest, this team has developed effective promotional programs and collateral to encourage greater awareness of the value of CERT.
I am both privileged and proud to present this inaugural award to these outstanding individuals.
External Awards
Tom Gunther
The Civilian Blue Angel Award is an annual honor awarded to a current or former Wilton resident or organization who has distinguished themselves through long-term and selfless commitment to the Town of Wilton and the Wilton Police Department.
This year this prestigious award was given to the former Executive Director of Wilton CERT, Tom Gunther. Tom joined Wilton CERT in 2016 and was its Executive Director for 5 years before retiring. Last year, Tom volunteered over 500 hours for Wilton CERT. In addition, Tom is also an EMR volunteer and volunteered another 385 hours with the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps in 2024. Tom also sits on the Wilton Zoning Board of Appeals as a volunteer.
Wilton CERT — Search Assistance
A Letter of Recognition was issued to Wilton CERT for its assistance during a 2023 deployment. Officers responded to a residence on report of an individual in crisis. While on scene, it was learned that a family member's dog could not be located. A search warrant was obtained for a property consisting of 7 acres abutting 30 additional acres of State property.
After a day and a half of searching, the dog was located on State property. An arrest warrant was obtained for the suspect, who was arrested and charged with Malicious Killing of an Animal in December 2023.
Wilton CERT responded to this incident as they usually do — eager and happy to assist in any way they are able, helping search a large area and locate the animal in question.