The Scotts Bluff County Commissioners Meeting on December 2, 2024, focused on several key topics, including a presentation on the Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) and the introduction of the new emergency management director for Region 22.

One of the most significant discussions centered around Celinda Howard, a dispatch trainer, who shared her experience assisting North Carolina during a recent disaster. Howard explained that TERT was established after Hurricane Katrina to provide trained dispatchers to overwhelmed communication centers in times of crisis. She detailed her deployment to North Carolina, where she and her team worked under challenging conditions to support local dispatchers affected by severe flooding and mudslides. Howard emphasized the importance of being prepared for such emergencies and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Scotts Bluff County.

In addition to Howard's presentation, the meeting introduced Rob Crowder, the new emergency management director for Region 22. Crowder provided an overview of his role and shared resources available to the county, including an updated Storm Ready certification from the National Weather Service. He highlighted ongoing projects, such as a tornado shelter initiative and upcoming funding opportunities for homeland security.

The commissioners also discussed the need for a new simulcast paging system to enhance communication for fire departments and emergency services. This system aims to ensure redundancy in paging capabilities, particularly in the event of equipment failure at existing communication centers. The proposal received unanimous support from the 911 advisory board, reflecting a commitment to improving emergency response infrastructure in the county.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to emergency management and the importance of collaboration among local agencies to ensure public safety. The next meeting is scheduled for December 19, 2024, in Mitchell, where further discussions on these initiatives are expected.