The head of Tennessee’s Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has been tapped to lead the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), according to the Tennessee Department of Military, TEMA’s parent agency.
“Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Director Patrick Sheehan was named president of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), for a one-year term leading the professional organization of emergency managers,” according to a press release.
“NEMA is the professional association of and for emergency management directors from all 50 states, eight U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia,” the release said. “It is dedicated to enhancing public safety by improving the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all emergencies, disasters, and threats to our nation’s security.”
Sheehan, who has held his current role since 2016, said he is looking forward to taking on his new role.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve Tennesseans and the emergency management community,” said Sheehan. “It’s motivating to work alongside emergency managers from across the country and I’m looking forward to bringing innovative ideas and driving change towards a more prepared and resilient future.”
Most recently, the agency sent “strike teams” of ambulance and fire personnel to Southwest Florida to assist in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Ian.
“Today, 35 ambulance strike team members departed Tennessee to provide support to Florida ahead of [Hurricane Ian],” TEMA said on September 28. “The teams will provide critical life-safety services to those in need. Thank you for your service and we wish you a safe mission!”
Sheehan commended the organizations for stepping up to help in the hurricane’s aftermath.
“I commend our emergency service professionals for again answering the call to help those in need. Their dedication and service will be critical in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” Sheehan said at the time. “Tennessee is a leader in volunteering to supporting [sic] other states with mutual aid and we are proud to provide these vital capabilities to our neighbors in Florida.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Patrick Sheehan” by Tennessee Department of Military. Background Photo “Tennessee State Capitol” by Reading Tom. CC BY 2.0.
