Emergency Management Coordinator
I started in the Lower Township Office of Emergency Management (LTOEM) in 2010 as the Deputy Coordinator. I became the Coordinator in 2011 and 2012 then again in 2016 to the present. The Coordinator is responsible to manage and maintain the municipal emergency operations plan, coordinate the municipal hazard mitigation plan and develop the municipal incident action plans for large scale events and disasters. Additionally, the Coordinator is responsible for overseeing emergency management grant applications. The Coordinator works with county, state and federal officials on recovery assessments and reimbursements after a disaster, while also maintaining annual state and federal training requirements. The Coordinator is responsible for determining the necessity in declaring a state of emergency for the municipality.
Experiences Obtained
My time working as the LTOEM Coordinator has been exceptionally challenging and rewarding. I was responsible for managing and coordinating the incident action plans for the December 2010 snow storm, followed by Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Guided by the mayor and council, these plans are developed with the cooperation of the township’s police, fire, EMS and public works department. As you may recall, we instituted a countywide evacuation during Hurricane Sandy. Other improvements we’ve made include introducing incident action plans for large township events such as the 4th of July celebration and the annual Christmas parade. We also consistently obtain grants to reduce costs to the taxpayers for equipment and activities at the Emergency Management Office.
As Sheriff
These experiences readily apply to the role of Sheriff. With the elevation of natural disasters and the heightened threats of terrorism, we need to be increasingly prepared as a county. I will bring a greater level of focus and experience to ensure we have a unified planning and response approach to any disaster that may occur in Cape May County. I believe that this is the type of leadership and commitment the citizens of Cape May County deserve. Please follow me on Facebook @Richardharronforsheriff. Thank you.
Paid and ordered for by Richard Harron for Sheriff
Treasurer Jennifer Sykes, 264 East Bates Ave., Villas, NJ 08251
