Custom Writing Service–why would it be important for an emergency management leader to have a good working relationship with public officials, other agencies, and the community?
Columbia Mountain is a small town in Columbia Southern and Waldorf counties, which has a total population of 1,008. Columbia Southern County’s portion of Columbia Mountain is a very rural county with limited resources and a volunteer fire department that protects the entire town and county. The Waldorf County portion is protected by the City of Waldorf Fire Rescue Department, which provides services to Waldorf County. However, Waldorf Fire Rescue only responds if there is a major incident in Hayes Gardens since Columbia Mountain Volunteer Fire Department is the primary response entity. Hayes Gardens was established to promote and protect native plant species found in the mountain area and is a strong supporter of Columbia Mountain volunteers who stand by when they host several seasonal events.
In 2010, during Memorial Day weekend, the gardens hosted the annual Native Plant Show with thousands in attendance. During the event, multiple visitors were overcome by heat due to unusually high temperatures and humidity. Waldorf Fire Rescue responded to assist, and officials were very critical of Columbia Mountain volunteers and Hayes Gardens for allowing them to stand by at the event. As a result, this created an intolerable relationship between officials.
During this year’s Native Plant Show, a severe storm struck Columbia Mountain and Hayes Gardens. A deputy chief of Waldorf Fire Rescue was the first to arrive from his agency and confirmed multiple injuries and major damage to the entire area. He began ordering resources without checking with Columbia Mountain volunteer officers as they had already conducted a size-up and ordered additional resources.
Apply the concepts learned in this unit by addressing the three questions below regarding the case study.
1. In the situation discussed in the case study, why would it be important for an emergency management leader to have a good working relationship with public officials, other agencies, and the community?
2. Describe the skills required for an effective emergency management leader to develop a cooperative relationship with fire and emergency management personnel, as well as other agencies and the community.
3. Describe the leadership style that would most benefit an emergency management leader in the situation discussed in this case study.
