EMA Staff
Emergency managers are trained in a wide variety of disciplines that support them through out the emergency life-cycle. Professional emergency managers can focus on government and community preparedness (Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government Planning), or private business preparedness . Training is provided by local, state, federal and private organizations and ranges from public information and media relations to high-level incident command and tactical skills such as studying a terrorist bombing site or controlling an emergency scene.
Under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is lead agency for emergency management. Emergencies are managed at the most-local level possible, utilizing mutual aid agreements with adjacent jurisdictions. If the emergency is terrorist related or if declared an "Incident of National Significance", the Secretary of Homeland Security will initiate the National Response Framework (NRF). Under this plan the involvement of federal resources will be made possible, integrating in with the local, county, state, or tribal entities. Management will continue to be handled at the lowest possible level utilizing the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
EMA Staff Members
Whitley County Emergency Management and Office of Homeland Security is staffed by Director Edward Scott and Deputy Director Brandon Rittenhouse full time by being maintaining office hours of Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm when they can, and are also on call 24/7!
EMA Volunteer Teams
There are aspects of Emergency Management and Homeland Security that couldn't be handled by just the Director and Deputy Director. Thankfully there are amazing volunteers that continue to help keep the projects and objectives of the agency moving forward. While we have specific teams, most volunteers are fluent and helpful in multiple teams and aspects. That's why we always say to new volunteers, there are many options, find the ones you like and enjoy it!
Disaster Assessment Team
More details coming soon!
Weather Spotters -SKYWARN
More details coming soon!
RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services)
More details coming soon!
Office Personnel
More details coming soon!
Public Information Team
More details coming soon!
And many, many, many more opportunities!