WOLFORD SAYS SERVICES MUST BECOME NIMS COMPLIANT - OES Director Woods Helping County Agencies

(06/04/2008)
Calhoun's new OES Director Kathy Woods is already helping the county's emergency services become compliant and eligible for grant money.

The county's emergency services met with Mark Wolford, regional coordinator for WV Dept. of Military Affairs last week in Arnoldsburg.

Wolford said "All future grant monies will be distributed through OES and agencies will no longer be able to apply directly for state grants."

He said all fire departments, police departments, ambulance services, healthcare facilities and other agencies must be National Incident Management System ("NIMS") compliant by September 1.

Attending the meeting, Mark Wolford; Homeland Security representative David Hoge; Matt Kirby, representing Grantsville VFD; Harold Carpenter, representing Arnoldsburg VFD, Danny May, representing Calhoun EMS; Charles Stephens representing Grantsville Police Department; Sheriff-elect Allen Parsons; 911 Director Gary Buchannan; County Commissioners Kevin Helmick and Bob Weaver.

"We are very pleased with the turn-out," said Woods, who has been actively working on improving emergency services in the county.

The county now has three active boards and officials involving 911, OES and LEPC, with a newly reorganized EMS Board.