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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 17, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Proclamation Honoring Emergency Management Professionals and Proclaiming <br /> September 30, 2024 as Emergency Management Professionals' Day <br /> DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services <br /> Director, (919) 245-6123 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Emergency <br /> Management Professionals in Orange County and proclaiming September 30, 2024 as <br /> "Emergency Management Professionals' Day" in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: In 1951, the North Carolina General Assembly officially acknowledged the roles <br /> and duties of state and local governments in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and <br /> recovering from natural or man-made emergencies, as well as hostile military or paramilitary <br /> actions. Nearly 26 years later, in 1977, North Carolina legislators enacted the North Carolina <br /> Emergency Management Act. This Act solidified the responsibilities concerning the protection of <br /> vulnerable individuals and property, swift and effective rescue operations, care and treatment, <br /> and the coordination of efforts to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters <br /> involving federal, state, local, private, and quasi-governmental entities. <br /> Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the field of emergency management has seen <br /> significant growth as communities and organizations worldwide acknowledge the crucial role of <br /> professional emergency managers. Orange County has a rich legacy of maintaining an <br /> outstanding emergency management program led by skilled professionals dedicated to <br /> enhancing the resilience of the community. Emergency Managers from Orange County have often <br /> been called to serve throughout North Carolina and across the Country during times of crisis due <br /> to their professionalism, vast knowledge, and extensive experience. Many of these professionals <br /> have served in various capacities to shape local, state and federal policy, shared their knowledge <br /> by educating new emergency management practitioners, and/or continued their service in highly <br /> prominent positions, such as leading the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency <br /> Management Agency in the Nation's Capital (former Orange County Emergency Management <br /> Specialist Clint Osborn). <br /> Today, the Orange County emergency management program includes a robust network of <br /> professionals throughout the community including County and municipal governments, public <br />