Planning workshop brings hundreds of first responders to Hardin County
COUNCE, Tenn. — Hundreds of first responders gathered together in West Tennessee for a planning workshop.
These first responders are from all over West Tennessee — many of which serve in your hometown. They gathered together in Hardin County Tuesday morning for the emergency planning workshop.
We spoke with the EMA Director for Hardin County, LaRae Smiley-Sliger, about what exactly this event entails.
“So we have about 200 emergency personnel from all over the state,” Smiley-Sliger said. “Mostly West Tennessee, but we have some in from Middle. Speakers talk about hazmat, and we have medical, but it all kind of ties around the all hazards approach to responding to any emergencies.”
This conference has been held for over 20 years, rotating between Pickwick and Paris Landing. During many cases, you will see multiple departments from nearby counties working together during calls.
We asked Smiley-Sliger if this conference helps with that communication.
“It absolutely does, because you put a face with that title,” she said. “You’re not just calling in another county fire department or another county emergency management director, you have that face to put with them. We’re blessed. I’m the emergency management director here in Hardin County, and I’m blessed to work with some other emergency managers in West Tennessee, as well as across the state.”
With over 20 years of history and a few hundred people showing up each year, this conference proves to be successful and beneficial for those that attend.
Smiley-Sliger also talked about how great small town departments are. She says the people are in those roles because they love it, and are passionate about the work.
When asked if there was anything we need to keep in mind right now, she says to be wary about any burning, especially because of the dryness and the heat we are currently experiencing.
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