EMA Staff
Emergency managers are trained in a wide variety of disciplines that support them through out the emergency life-cycle. Professional emergency managers can focus on government and community preparedness (Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government Planning), or private business preparedness . Training is provided by local, state, federal and private organizations and ranges from public information and media relations to high-level incident command and tactical skills such as studying a terrorist bombing site or controlling an emergency scene.
Under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is lead agency for emergency management. Emergencies are managed at the most-local level possible, utilizing mutual aid agreements with adjacent jurisdictions. If the emergency is terrorist related or if declared an "Incident of National Significance", the Secretary of Homeland Security will initiate the National Response Framework (NRF). Under this plan the involvement of federal resources will be made possible, integrating in with the local, county, state, or tribal entities. Management will continue to be handled at the lowest possible level utilizing the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
EMA Staff Members
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Director Amy Biggs Amy has been serving Whitley County as the Director since September of 2015! Amy also is a Full Time Captain for Fort Wayne Fire Department where she has been for over 28 years, including serving as the first female Fire Chief the agency ever had. She serves on multiple boards and committees for Whitley County and surrounding areas. Amy also has been appointed by Governor Holcomb to serve on the Indiana Board of Firefighting Personnel Standards & Education. In her free time Amy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and buddy Finn. She really enjoys spending time on the lake and enjoying the beautiful view from her home in the Tri-Lakes area! |
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Deputy Director Edward Scott Edward, who often goes by Ed, has served as Deputy Director for Whitley County in 2017-2018 and has came back in 2023. Ed has been a volunteer with Whitley County EMA since 2008 where he joined as an Amateur Radio operator and participated in our SKYWARN Program and RACES Team. He was a Volunteer Firefighter and EMT-B for Columbia Township Fire Department from 2009 to 2021 and was a 911 Dispatcher for the City of Columbia City for over 4 years! Ed serves on the board for Whitley County Amateur Radio Club as President, where he's been a member since 2008, and is also the Emergency Coordinator for the Whitley County ARES Team. In his free time Ed enjoys spending time at home with his family, especially his 3 children. He also loves going out for rides on his motorcycle, camping, playing video games, and the occasional cigar!
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EMA Volunteer Teams
There are aspects of Emergency Management and Homeland Security that couldn't be handled by just the Director and Deputy Director. Thankfully there are amazing volunteers that continue to help keep the projects and objectives of the agency moving forward. While we have specific teams, most volunteers are fluent and helpful in multiple teams and aspects. That's why we always say to new volunteers, there are many options, find the ones you like and enjoy it!
Disaster Assessment Team
More details coming soon!
Weather Spotters -SKYWARN
More details coming soon!
RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services)
More details coming soon!
Office Personnel
More details coming soon!
Public Information Team
More details coming soon!
And many, many, many more opportunities!