We’re In Good Hands

Front Row: Newaygo Police Chief Georgia Andres, Newaygo Fire Chief David Otteren, Undersheriff Chad Palmiter, Grant Police Chief Brad Wade, WC Police Chief Dan Evans, NC Board of Commissioners Chair Bryan Kolk, Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins; Back Row- Fremont Fire Chief Brian Hettinger, NC Sheriff Bob Mendham, Central Dispatch Director Phil Smalligan and Fremont Police Chief Tim Rodwell

Our Public Safety Departments achieve 100% rating

At their regular meeting on Wednesday October 25th the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution recognizing the County’s Public Safety Departments for achieving 100% compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

“The concept of National Incident Management Training (NIMS) was a product of FEMA and provides a structure for all Emergency Response units to follow to provide the most effective approach to major emergencies and situations,” said Board Chair Bryan Kolk.
“We recognized the exceptional extra work that Emergency Response teams have trained on to be able to provide an organized and unified response to Newaygo County emergencies. Our citizens regularly see the police, fire and ambulance services going about their daily duties without realizing the behind the scene preparedness going on anticipating the next major call for service. The Board of Commissioners is happy to recognize these efforts.”

Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins: “NIMS compliancy achievement is important for two key reasons. First, it keeps the agency/department eligible for approximately 98 different federal preparedness assistance in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, and direct contracts.

“Second, NIMS provides the groundwork for enhanced cooperation and interoperability among emergency responders. NIMS incorporates incident management best practices developed and proven by thousands of responders and authorities across America. These practices, coupled with consistency and national standardization, allow us to protect lives, stabilize the emergency, and preserve property more efficiently.

“Newaygo County Emergency Services is charged with promoting, tracking, and reporting NIMS compliancy on an annual basis to the State of Michigan and Federal Emergency Management Agency. While the target benchmark to maintain eligibility is 75%, the nine departments recognized were able to achieve 100% compliance with all personnel completing required training. These departments pride themselves in being committed to providing the needed resources to equip and train their emergency personnel in order to enhance efficiencies within the department and effectively respond to high consequence disasters and emergencies within the community.”
 
The Departments recognized:
Newaygo County Jail
Station 12 Newaygo Fire Department
Newaygo County Central Dispatch
Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol
Fremont Police Department
Fremont Fire Department
Newaygo Police Department
Grant Police Department
White Cloud Police Department