EMD receives Spirit of Emergency Management Award

The County of Riverside Emergency Management Department (EMD) accepted the Spirit of Emergency Management Award recognizing the collaborative work EMD performs in the field of emergency management. The award was presented by Temecula Mayor Maryann Edwards and Temecula Emergency Manager Roberto Cardenas during the city's first-ever Business Continuity Summit on Oct. 19. Former EMD Director Kim Saruwatari and Emergency Services Coordinator Jerry Hagen accepted the award on behalf of the department. 

"This recognition is indicative of all the collaborative work EMD performs in our cities and special districts," said Saruwatari. "We are very thankful for the great partnership we share with the City of Temecula and honored to be the first recipient of the city's Spirit of Emergency Management award."

Approximately 150 people attended the summit, comprised of community members from local businesses and chambers of commerce, as well as public safety and government personnel. Several speakers shared experience with emergency management plans and preparedness efforts, as well as lessons learned from real-world incidents. Saruwatari shared insight from the 2009 Swine Flu epidemic during the City Managers and County panel discussion, moderated by Hagen. 

EMD's very own Angie Johnson, Administrative Services Analyst II, also presented the launch of the Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) to a very eager crowd - businesses. "The talk really got businesses thinking about their emergency plans and how to connect to government agencies and businesses during a disaster," said Johnson. "This event led to a series of meetings and presentations that will increase involvement in the BEOC."

In addition, Health Education Assistant II Melanie Gonzalez spoke individually to attendees about emergency preparedness at a public education booth. EMD's well-known red backpack, filled with emergency supply kit items, was even offered to a winner of an opportunity drawing.