|
Posted: September 13, 2006
“Homeland Security” is a word now ingrained as deep in our American psyche as the familiar phrase “mom, baseball and apple pie.” In Plano, our emergency preparedness has always held a top priority in the City’s mission to …”provide outstanding services and facilities…that contribute to the Quality of Life in our community.”
The initiative of Plano’s public responders, coupled with the on-going support through funding of equipment and training by City Council and management, has kept Plano on the top rung of the ladder of emergency preparedness. The tragedy of September 11, 2001 found a community at the ready prepared to face whatever challenges that might lie ahead for both our nation and All-America City. It also found a community ready and willing to strengthen its stance, improve its procedures and re-examine its internal and external communications.
City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck has announced the appointment of S. Shane Stovall as Plano’s new (and first) Director of Homeland Security. Stovall, currently Project Manger in the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Business Unit for General Physics Corporation (Tampa, Florida).
Former Fire Chief William E. Peterson, who accepted a January 2006 Presidential appointment as Director of Region VI of the Federal Emergency Management Agency served as Plano’s first Emergency Management Coordinator as well as Fire Chief. The emerging importance of a dedicated position to homeland security resulted in the creation of not only a Homeland Security Department (April 2005) but the creation of the position of Director of Homeland Security (2006).
Stovall holds the International Association of Emergency Managers certification as a Certified Emergency Manager, as well as the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association’s certification as a Florida Professional Emergency Manager. His educational background includes a B.S. in Emergency Administration and Planning from the University of North Texas.
“We are very pleased to be able to attract someone with Shane’s experience and credentials to our Office of Homeland Security,” stated City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck. “He has vast experience in emergency preparedness and planning and served in the Charlotte County, Florida Office of Emergency Management as Emergency Coordinator, Plans and Operations Supervisor, and Emergency Planner.”
Plano’s Department of Homeland Security develops and maintains the Plano Emergency Management Plan and coordinates readiness efforts with other cities, counties and jurisdictions in the North Texas Region, as well as state and federal agencies. In accordance with local, state and federal legislations it acts to direct and guide emergency management activities and services to protect and prepare the community. It is charged with managing nearly half a million dollars in annual grant funds awarded to the City by state and federal governments to enhance Plano’s public safety efforts.
In his most recent position with General Physics Corporation, Stovall supervised four staff members and managed planning, training and exercise projects for the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Business Unit. He has been active in the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association for ten years and has served as the Association Secretary for the last two years. He is trained in the National Incident Management System, the Incident Command System and has extensive disaster experience serving in a variety of roles encompassing emergency response to disasters such as Hurricane Charley, Tropical Storm Gabrielle, flooding in Sweetwater, Florida, the State Emergency Response Team for the 2000 Florida Wildfires, and volunteer response at the Oklahoma City Bombing.
Images of the twin towers falling, airliners striking the Pentagon, airports closing down when security is breeched are often the first thought for many when considering homeland security. It is easy to reflect that with the major cities and industries in the nation why would terrorists strike at “my home town?”
Homeland Security, however, is more than a response to terrorism. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security ensures “that emergency response professionals are prepared for any situation. This will entail providing a coordinated, comprehensive federal response to any large-scale crisis and mounting a swift and effective recovery effort.” The Department lists emergencies and disasters as “terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale emergency.”
Mr. Stovall will begin his new duties in Plano October 16, 2006.
To learn more about Plano’s Department of Homeland Security, click here.
|
|