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Montgomery County commissioners honor first responders and staff for winter storm response
Summary
Montgomery County commissioners recognized volunteer fire departments, Emergency Management Agency staff, the sheriff's department and county engineering for their response to recent severe weather, citing tornadoes, snow and cold that prompted warming centers and coordinated emergency operations.
Montgomery County commissioners recognized volunteer firefighters, Emergency Management Agency personnel, the sheriff's department and county engineers for their work responding to a recent series of severe weather events, including a Dec. 29 tornado and an extended snow-and-cold storm that prompted warming centers and road closures.
The recognition occurred during a county commission meeting when leaders presented proclamations and asked representatives from each group to come forward. Chairman Singleton said the proclamations “talk[] about the bravery, dedication and contributions of the volunteers” and added, “I cannot say more about how much I appreciate the volunteer fire departments for what they do for our county.”
The commission singled out eight volunteer fire departments across Montgomery County and presented challenge coins and proclamations to volunteers. A volunteer fire representative identified in the meeting as Mr. Cohen accepted the county's thanks on behalf of the departments.
Emergency Management Agency staff were also recognized. An EMA speaker identified as Wade introduced members of his team and visitors who assisted during the storm: Mark Barrett from the planning department, Shay Ren (logistics officer), Kenston McKinnon (operations officer) and Wanda, an administrative assistant. Wade said, "This is my team, Mr. Mark Barrett, works in our planning department. Shay Ren's our logistics officer," and explained that city radio-shop staff stepped in to support EMA operations during the event.
Chairman Singleton and multiple commissioners praised the operation of warming centers and the coordination between city and county staff. Commissioner Moore Ziegler described the warming center as “very, very comprehensive” and thanked first responders and county staff for providing food, health care and shelter during the cold.
The sheriff's department and the county engineering division also received proclamations. Commissioners noted public compliments about sheriff's deputies' professionalism and credited engineering crews for clearing roads and bridges in difficult conditions. Commissioners also noted two recent house fires in the Dalreda area and expressed sympathy for the affected families.
Separately, commissioners thanked staff members for personnel changes and long service. Wade's role at EMA was described as permanent in remarks on the dais; county public affairs staffer Ken was commended as departing the county and Wanda was welcomed as a new administrative assistant in public affairs.
The presentations closed before the commission moved on to routine agenda items. No formal votes were required for the recognitions.
