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3 <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 /> health and healthcare, public school districts and higher education, and the Orange Water and <br /> Sewer Authority. <br /> During times of crisis, these professionals coordinate closely throughout the entire life cycle of <br /> the event or incident. These individuals manage Emergency Operations Centers, provide policy <br /> guidance, public alert and warning, and coordinate community support both inside and outside of <br /> their organizations. In non-crisis moments, these emergency management professionals possess <br /> extensive knowledge of the evolving hazards and risks that threaten the community, offer <br /> essential leadership, management, and operational expertise needed to help our communities, <br /> organizations, and agencies bolster resilience to emergency situations. <br /> Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services Director, addressed the Board. He said in our world <br /> where crises can emerge unexpectedly, the role of emergency managers has never been more <br /> important. He said these professionals are at the leading edge of disaster preparedness and <br /> response and safeguard the wellbeing of people around the world. He explained that emergency <br /> managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of communities during times of <br /> crisis and non-crisis. He said they are the guiding force in preparing for, responding to, and <br /> recovering from disasters of all kinds from hurricanes and earthquakes to human-caused crises. <br /> He said some key responsibilities include disaster planning to prepare in the event of a disaster. <br /> He said they also provide training and education to first responders, volunteers, and the public in <br /> order to prepare them for a crisis. He said in times of crisis, they oversee the coordination of <br /> response among various agencies during disasters and make sure that agencies collaborate <br /> efficiently and effectively. He said they are an essential communication bridge between the public, <br /> media, and various stakeholders. He said after a crisis, emergency managers lead recovery <br /> efforts and evaluate disaster response to strengthen response in the event of a future emergency. <br /> He said the local emergency management network is very strong in Orange County and thanked <br /> the Board for considering this proclamation. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton read the following proclamation: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS' DAY <br /> SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 <br /> WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina has implemented a state emergency management <br /> program, requiring localities to develop corresponding programs to mitigate the various threats <br /> and hazards that pose risks to the state's residents; and <br /> WHEREAS, emergency management safeguards communities by organizing and combining all <br /> essential activities to enhance the ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from <br /> potential or real natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other human-made disasters; and <br /> WHEREAS, emergency management professionals perform a vital yet often overlooked role in <br /> offering the essential leadership, management, and operational expertise needed to help <br />