DuPage County briefs

Emergency response class

The Wood Dale Police Department will offer a Citizens Emergency Response Team class on Tuesdays, starting Feb. 24, for nine weeks at the department, 404 N. Wood Dale Road. The program will be led by police and fire officials, as well as other CERT and Wood Dale Citizen Corps members. Participants will learn about disaster preparedness for hazards that may affect Wood Dale and will be trained in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. For details, call Sgt. Robert Del Carlo at (630) 766-2060 or e-mail bdelcarlo@wooddale.com.

Roselle Park District award

Heidi Lapin, director of Roselle Park District, earned the 2009 Young Professional Award from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. The award is presented to a current park and recreation professional who has shown excellence in promoting parks and recreation at local and regional levels in Illinois.

Arboretum promotes Watson

Gary Watson of Naperville has been promoted to the newly created post as head of research at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. A 22-year veteran of the arboretum, Watson will oversee the research team and guide myriad research projects aligned with the arboretum's long-range strategic plan objectives. The objectives include upholding a worldwide leadership role in research to advance tree health, tree improvement, woodland conservation and public appreciation of trees.