By Jenn Smith, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Last Updated: 10/05/2007 11:24:57 AM EDT
Friday, October 05
LENOX — There's no question that law enforcers and emergency responders are heroes. For every life saved and for all the preventative efforts made, every one of those men and women deserve recognition.
But yesterday was Dan Clifford's day to shine.
The Lenox fire chief and emergency management director was named the 2007 Massachusetts Emergency Manager of the Year.
"I'm overwhelmed," said Clifford, who was honored during a training session in Agawam yesterday morning.
Emergency management in New England is a partnership. Clifford's plaque was awarded through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Northeast States Emergency Consortium.
According to MEMA coordinators, each state in the consortium, which includes all of New England plus New York and New Jersey, nominate an emergency manager for the award each year. Clifford was chosen as the top nominee among all of them.
An announcement through MEMA headquarters in Framingham credited Clifford for his work with his Local Emergency Planning Committee (Central Berkshire), his contributions to creating comprehensive emergency planning documents and specifically for his
effort and leadership in responding to a December 2006 ice storm that hit the Lenox area.
"He's kind of a one-man show up there in Lenox," according to a spokesman for MEMA Regions 3 and 4. "He's earned rightly deserved credit. He's an outstanding human being."
Clifford has served as the town's emergency management director for about 15 years, an unpaid volunteer position which is separate from his position as fire chief. He regularly attends training and planning sessions for the position.
The planning process includes creating response strategies for a range of disasters caused by either nature or man.
"I think it's a great honor," Clifford said of his award. "Every emergency responder is looking out for the interest of the commonwealth and our visitors."
To reach Jenn Smith: jsmith@berkshireeagle.com, (413) 496-6239.
No comments:
Post a Comment