Office of Emergency Management delivers annual report

CHEBOYGAN — Lt. Jeremy Runstrom gave his 2022 annual report to the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners at their meeting on May 23 regarding the county’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

The Cheboygan County OEM was established in cooperation with the board of commissioners in 2020 after separating from the Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet County (CCE) Interlocal agreement.

Sheriff Tim Cook gave his thanks to retired Sheriff Dale Clarmont for working with the commissioners in bringing the OEM to Cheboygan County as its own unit.

“After analyzing the Interlocal agreement and realizing the work involved of one OEM director for the three counties, and looking at a cost analysis it was a good decision with approval from the (board of commissioners) to incorporate the OEM in with the sheriff department,” said Cook.

Cook added that in addition to cost savings there has also been increased efficiency from the move.

“Having our own OEM has definitely increased our level of preparedness,” he said.

More: County board withdraws from emergency services agreement

Runstrom’s report included the definition and structure of an OEM. Runstrom also noted that this summer he will be completing the requirements to be named a Professional Emergency Manager.

According to Runstrom, having the proper certifications will allow for better cooperation at a state and federal level when it comes to assistance, funding and grants.

“If a major event were to occur, we utilize our resources first, then the state then federal,” he said. “If we need to seek those other resources it also allows us to pursue reimbursement by filing a state of emergency declaration.”

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In preparing for a major event, Runstrom has also ensured the county has a fully functioning Emergency Operations Center.

“It is necessary we have an area of command if a major event were to occur,” he said. “This is where we have all major stakeholders in one area with the necessary technology for coordination and direction to maximize our resources to provide the best possible services.”

An emergency manager is also responsible for a Local Planning Team (LPT). The LPT consists of representatives from each of the emergency response disciplines, such as emergency management, fire services, law enforcement, emergency medical service, hazardous materials, public health, health care, public works and government administration.

“These are our stakeholders in our community with the resources that we would need to coordinate a response to a major event,” said Runstrom.

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The OEM is also prepared to handle issues regarding hazardous material in the county. The Local Emergency Planning Committee is made up of local organizations that assist in preparing for emergencies involving hazardous material, and Runstrom has recently completed the comprehensive Hazardous Mitigation Plan (HMP) for Cheboygan County. It has been approved at the state and federal level.

Another important component of the OEM is organizing training exercises.

“The importance of these exercises is to see how our resources come together in personnel and equipment and to learn how to make necessary adjustments to ensure we have the best possible response,” Runstrom said.

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Training exercises have involved the U.S. Coast Guard, local law enforcement, fire departments, other emergency responders, local companies and other government support.

In 2022, the OEM responded to multiple events within the county. These incidents ranged from activating warming shelters during extreme winter storms to helping with the response to the Blue Lakes Fire, which burned in parts of southern Cheboygan County and Montmorency County in May 2022.

Looking ahead, Runstrom said he is working on getting the Hazardous Mitigation Plan adopted by all municipal and township governments, certify Cheboygan County as a “Storm Ready” county, and continue education on the importance of the Be-Alert system for residents.

The full Hazardous Mitigation Plan and 2022 annual report can be viewed at cheboygancounty.net.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Office of Emergency Management delivers annual report