Editor’s Note: In the May issue of County Progress, our coverage paid tribute to the strength and steadfastness of our County Judges and Commissioners who are on the frontlines protecting their communities during this unprecedented time. As the pandemic continues, so does our respect and gratitude for our county leaders. This month as we looked across the state and … [Read more...] about Pandemic Perspectives
County Emergency Management
Hurricane Harvey
Counties Helping Counties Throughout the Annual Conference of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, conversation frequently turned to Hurricane Harvey as officials checked on one another, shared experiences, and offered help to those in still in the throes of recovery. “When Harvey hit, you showed the nation how to come together,” Rep. Todd Hunter told … [Read more...] about Hurricane Harvey
County Focus: Emergency Management Program/Coordinator
Emergency Management Program/Coordinator Emergency management is a vital and sometimes under-appreciated program. Its importance is noted by Texas Government Code 481.102 that states that each county shall maintain an emergency management program or participate in a local or interjurisdictional emergency management program which has jurisdiction over and serves the … [Read more...] about County Focus: Emergency Management Program/Coordinator
County Emergency Management and Training
In 1995, I was a newly elected county judge ready to tackle all the problems and make the county a better place to live. I was in office about three weeks when a gentleman from the Texas Department of Emergency Management stopped by. He introduced himself and said he wanted to visit with me about the county’s emergency management plan. So I called my secretary and asked her … [Read more...] about County Emergency Management and Training
Limestone County Judge Defends West Explosion Response
By Limestone County Judge Daniel Burkeen I have watched the media response to the West explosion, and there are some points that need to be brought out concerning the efforts by some to blame the McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, headed by Frank Patterson, for the incident in West. First, Frank Patterson is a well-respected emergency management … [Read more...] about Limestone County Judge Defends West Explosion Response