Carol Sjursen talks about over 20 years of volunteer work with Coral Springs-Parkland CERT and the importance of helping others
Coral Springs, Florida – For Carol Sjursen, the notion of volunteering goes far beyond a simple hobby or occasional activity. For her, it’s a core part of her identity. A longtime real estate agent from Deerfield Beach, Sjursen has dedicated over two decades to the Coral Springs-Parkland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), helping to prepare and respond to emergencies across the state of Florida. Her service has made a lasting impact, and her personal journey in emergency management showcases a deep commitment to helping others in times of crisis.
“I got involved in CERT in Coral Springs one day when friends said, ‘Hey, there’s a class coming up… Would you like to join us?’” Sjursen recalled with a smile. “I said, ‘Sure. Why not?’ I’ve always enjoyed education, and I can never get enough — whether it be in real estate or my volunteer work.”
That simple invitation in the early 2000s marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong passion for community service. In June 2003, Sjursen completed her first basic training class, officially becoming CERT certified. From there, her involvement with CERT grew, eventually taking her to leadership roles and expanding her expertise. Today, she serves on the CERT Teaching Academy staff, holding certifications in CPR and Stop the Bleed instruction. Her leadership experience includes past positions such as Public Information Chair and President of the Florida CERT Association.
But for Sjursen, her dedication goes far beyond holding titles — it’s about making a tangible difference in the community. “Most of my volunteer work actually centers around emergency management,” she explained. “My preparation, response, and service—they all come together to save lives and strengthen communities. That’s what I really have a passion for—helping others.”
Over the years, Sjursen has been on the front lines of some of the most devastating emergencies in Florida’s history, offering both physical support and emotional care to first responders. She was on-site during the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, providing much-needed assistance to law enforcement and emergency personnel. “We were on scene [at Stoneman Douglas] that day, taking care of the responders,” she said. Her role was a crucial one, helping to alleviate some of the immense strain on those tasked with responding to the tragedy.
Similarly, during the aftermath of the Surfside condominium collapse, Sjursen and other CERT members were there to provide canteen services for first responders. “At Surfside, we provided canteen services for those on site. I just love giving back,” she reflected, a sentiment that clearly resonates with her throughout her decades of service.
But her commitment doesn’t stop with just the big, high-profile emergencies. Every year during hurricane season, Sjursen heads to Florida’s Panhandle, lending her expertise and support to disaster relief efforts. Whether it’s helping people evacuate or providing on-the-ground coordination during a storm, she’s there, ready to assist however she can. Despite the demanding nature of her volunteer work, Sjursen continues to balance these duties with her real estate career. “I’m still a full-time realtor, so I’ve learned to juggle my schedule—my volunteer life, work life, and personal life,” she shared.
Beyond emergency management, Sjursen also volunteers her time as an amateur radio operator, supporting local events like the Miami Marathon and the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. In these roles, she’s behind the scenes, providing critical communication and real-time situational awareness to ensure safety at large public gatherings.
It’s clear that Sjursen’s commitment to helping others extends beyond the immediate needs of a disaster or emergency. She views CERT training as something that can offer value even in everyday situations. She shared an example from her office: “When I was at my office, one of the agents had a candle burning. A spark lit her file folders on fire,” she recalled. “I was probably the only person who remained calm, knew where the fire extinguisher was, and was able to put it out before the sprinklers went off. Just little things like that — you learn to stay calm when something goes wrong.”
Before venturing into real estate and emergency response, Sjursen led a different kind of life. She was a professional water skier, performing in shows for the Great American Water Ski Show and Six Flags Atlantis. But her focus has always been on helping others — an ethos instilled in her from an early age.
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“When I grew up, I watched my parents coach gymnastics at the local YMCA,” Sjursen shared with a fond smile. “They showed me that service really isn’t something you do — it’s who you are.”
For Sjursen, that simple lesson from her parents has shaped her entire worldview. Volunteering isn’t just an activity or task; it’s an integral part of her life’s purpose. As she reflects on her more than two decades of service with CERT, it’s clear that her commitment has not only helped save lives and strengthen communities but has also helped shape the spirit of service that defines Coral Springs and beyond.
“Service isn’t what you do — it’s who you are,” Sjursen concluded, a sentiment that has undoubtedly guided her throughout her decades of selfless giving. Whether on the front lines of an emergency or supporting her community in everyday moments, Sjursen’s dedication to service continues to inspire all who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
