Marshall County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Jack Garner provided his first quarterly report to the Commissioners during their regular meeting Monday morning.
From July to September 2023 Garner reported six incidents and responses: July 20, 2023 – Severe Thunderstorm Warning, July 22, 2023 – Tornado siren in Plymouth sounded by accident around 10pm. Responded to concerns and gave an “all clear” update via social media, July 26, 2023 – Semi overturned on US 30 at Queen Rd, all four lanes were temporarily closed and minor spillage of fuel occurred. Updated on social media., July 26, 2023 – Severe Thunderstorm Warning, July 26-28, 2023 – Extreme Heat, Heat Advisory issued., July 28-29, 2023 – Severe Thunderstorm Warning, significant damage to trees, widespread power outages… assisted in immediate aftermath. Wrote an event summary and put together a damage report., August 3, 2023 – Train and semi hauling garbage collide in Argos. Advised on social media about incident and road closure, and also visited to see the extent of trash spilled. Went back on August 6 to see most had been cleaned but several items were still there. Called railroad but nobody picked up on either line.
He has already submitted the first quarter program and fiscal report for the 2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and attended a grants workshop in Indianapolis with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security support staff and District EMA Directors.
He attended Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) District 2 Emergency Management Quarterly Meeting in Fulton County.
He also updated the Marshall County portion of the District 2 IDHS information sheet which is the first revision made in at least five years.
Garner attended the Yellow River Flood Risk Preparation and Response Workshop in Plymouth, hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kankakee and Yellow River Basin Development Commission and then attended follow-up call with same group.
Garner has attended the three-day ICS-300 and the two-day ICS-400 courses in Warsaw and achieved certification.
He also completed and passed FEMA courses 100, 120, 130, 200, 230, 700, 800, and 1300.
He participated in the Fire Evacuation Table Top Exercise at Signature Healthcare in Bremen.
He has engaged in multiple community outreaches including discussions with the United Way of Marshall County and enFocus; in addition to the creation of a Marshall County EMA Facebook page and updating the EMA Twitter / X profile.
He has been trained in sending EMA related push notifications through the Marshall County App.
Garner attended Marshall County School Safety Committee quarterly meeting. He drafted an Emergency Plan for the Marshall County Neighborhood Center.
These items cover just some of his quarterly activity.
He has completed a large portion of his training with a deadline of July of next year to complete certain courses for his grant requirements; that goal is well within reach for his pace.
Commissioner Kevin Overmyer thanked Garner for his performance. “What you are doing here just lays out what we had expected. To me – you have exceeded our expectations – at least mine. Thank you for the job that you are doing.”
Commissioner Michael Burroughs added that the EMA Advisory Board met recently and that Garner has been doing well at keeping everyone informed.
Garner plans to visit Town and City Councils across Marshall County after the Municipal Election and after boards have had an opportunity to reorganize. He hopes to increase participation and interaction with the EMA program.
Garner can be reached at ema@co.marshall.in.us or by calling 574-936-3740. His office is located at 112 W. Jefferson St., Plymouth, Room 207.
