Hamilton County Emergency Management (HCEM) is a county public safety department that ensures the county is prepared for emergencies and disasters by coordinating and supporting the community when bad things happen. With a staff of only eight, providing disaster services to the growing county is nearly impossible. Thankfully, over 170 volunteers and the staff stand ready to serve at a moment’s notice.
On Saturday, Jan. 6, HCEM recognized the volunteers’ dedication, talent, and leadership.
“We have so many amazing volunteers, and it is difficult to decide who to recognize,” said Monica Peterson, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator with Emergency Management.
Presidential Service Award
The Presidential Service Award is an award from the President of the United States that honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action.
This year’s recipients are:
- John Gooldy, Communications Group, Logistics Coordinator
Gooldy helped establish the local Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service program in 1986. He is one of the longest-serving members and an amazing leader. He takes the time to help new amateur radio operators, manages the county’s four repeaters, and learns new programs and equipment to enhance communication resources. He is a long-time Noblesville resident.
- Cathy Zink, Community Emergency Response Team Member
Zink gives countless hours to serve the community at community outreach and special events and attends numerous training programs throughout the year. She is well-liked by her peers and has taken preparedness to a new level. Her attitude and wit make being around her fun and enjoyable. She is a Fishers resident.
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has shown exemplary leadership in support of their team.
Tom Sheehy of Westfield was recognized for his desire to ensure the new community of Osborne Trials could help each other during an emergency or disaster. He worked with community members to recruit, attend training, and develop a Community Emergency Response Team in Osborne Trails.
Volunteer Service Award
The Volunteer Service Award recognizes the individual who donates the most time to the community.
Jake Zier is a Logistics Volunteer who is in a fortunate position to spend time regularly assisting the logistics team. He spends a great deal of time ensuring the most complex asset in the HCEM arsenal is always ready: the mobile Command Truck. He also deploys with the truck to police incidents, large fires, and special events. He does an amazing job and is always willing to help.
This year, he donated 647 hours. Compared to the county employee work week of 37.5 hours, he has donated approximately 17 weeks or 4.25 months. He is a long-time resident of Cicero.
Peer Recognition Award
Volunteers submit nominations for the Peer Recognition Award based on their contributions to the team.
Out of many submissions, there was one individual who stood out. Deb Miller is the Planning Section Chief for the Community Emergency Response Team Group. She is instrumental in further developing the CERT curriculum and ensuring the training evolves with the operational needs of the county. She also serves on the board of the Friends of Hamilton County Emergency Services and still has time to devote to taking classes to further her skills.
Special Recognition Award
The Special Recognition Award is given to those whose unwavering commitment and dedication go above and beyond.
Paul Beihold, Communications Group, was recognized for his hard work in ensuring a coordinated effort to deliver over 300 meals to those in need for the Good Samaritan Network during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Rookie Award
The Rookie Award recognizes new volunteers who demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the service of Hamilton County in their first year.
Since joining the Community Emergency Response Team, Lindsey VanDeMark has helped with training sessions and staffing the first aid tent at the Hamilton County 4-H Fair. She consistently demonstrates her passion and enthusiasm by participating in many events.
Star Awards
The Star Award is presented to those who provide unique services or give their time and talents.
- Ron Sans, Ph. D., Communication Group, enjoys precision metalwork as it applies to amateur radio. He routinely shares these talents to overcome unique challenges for HCEM. He has made several custom items and saved time and county tax dollars while enhancing communications abilities to improve the lives of the residents of Hamilton County.
- Julie Gray, Fishers’ CERT Team Leader, is an emergency medical technician passionate about teaching CPR, first aid, stop the bleed, and AEDs. She is instrumental in ensuring new members are trained in these life-saving skills and recertifies all staff and volunteers.
- Thomas Huser, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Volunteers Program Manager, is crucial in ensuring available personnel to manage the center. He quickly responds whenever a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch is issued. He is also one of three drivers for the mobile command center and frequently responds to critical incidents.
Service Pins
HCEM recognizes the service of volunteers starting at two years of service and every five years after that. Numerous pins awarded this year showed volunteers’ growing commitment.
Two Years of Service
- Andy Bowman
- Jeff Crowell
- Nick Dunham
- Erin Heller
- Chris Hurlock
- Terry Luley
- Dallas Milem
- Dave Miller
- Lou Owens
- Naomi Penney
- Joe Pereira
- Dustin Proffitt
- Gary Pupurs
- David Reagan
- Gary Scher
- Kathy Seitz
- Pat Taylor
- Lester Trotter
- Jim Walters
- Laurie Wilson
- Victor Yashimoto
Five Years of Service
- Casey Crosbie
- Brian Eadie
- Mike Vittetau
- Cathy Zink
Ten Years of Service
- Edie Coley
- Lyn Grandt
- Marcia Schwartz
Fifteen Years of Service
- Jon Baldwin
- Sherrie Vermande
- Tim Vermande
“We have five volunteer programs: Emergency Operations Center, Communications Group, Community Emergency Response Team, Logistics, and Reservist,” HCEM Executive Director Shane Booker said. “I am grateful to all of the volunteer coordinators and team leaders who allow us to have such diverse opportunities for people to volunteer.”
If you want to join the Masters of Disasters team, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/909/How-to-Get-Involved or email Monica Peterson at monica.peterson@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.