VT DEMHS RPC Information –
Vermont Department of Public Safety
Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Press Release
October 21, 2015
1:00 p.m.
Contact: Mark Bosma, VT DEMHS, 802-839-6717 or [email protected]
Three Individuals and one Industry Recognized for Outstanding Service to Emergency Response
WATERBURY, VT – Two local emergency responders and a longtime professional with the Vermont Agency of Human Services have been recognized for their contributions to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Tim Bougeois, Doug Babcock, and Bob Costantino were given special awards in Vermont at the annual Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference. Vermont’s power utilities were also recognized for their preparedness for emergency events.
Local Emergency Management Director of the Year: Doug Babcock, Cambridge
Doug Babcock is the Emergency Management Director and Coordinator for the town of Cambridge as well as a volunteer with Cambridge Rescue, and Chair of the Local Emergency Planning Committee in Lamoille County. During the winter of 2015 Doug worked with state agencies and the Jeffersonville water department to respond to water supply issues during an extended period of cold that included frozen water mains, a broken main, and boil water notice. Babcock is also working to enhance his town’s notification capability by implementing Vermont Alert into communications and expanding a web presence through social media.
Community Emergency Response Team Member of the Year: Tim Bougeois, Williston
Fellow Chittenden County CERT members and state responders describe Tim as one maximizes resources, has excellent leadership skills, and works well with all in which he comes in contact. He has been engaged in finding ways to enhance the presence of the CERT program. Recently, during the Barre Flood, Tim assisted the Washington County CERT team in mucking out homes that were damaged in the flood. Community Emergency Response Teams are groups of volunteers who help emergency responders during disasters and planned events. CERTs assist with traffic control, take part in searches, and many other functions.
Northeast States Emergency Consortium Emergency Manager of the Year: Bob Costantino, Barre
Bob Costantino of the Vermont Agency of Human Services is being honored for his years of experience assisting disaster survivors recover from loss. Bob has served for several years at State Emergency Operations center during and after disasters. He has weathered numerous disasters and crises in our state coordinating the critical shelter needs. Bob took a leadership role following Tropical Storm Irene in developing support systems within state government for individuals and households by developing disaster case management programs within the state of Vermont.
Special recognition: Vermont’s electric utilities
Vermont’s electric utilities were recognized during the conference for their commitment to emergency preparedness. All Vermont utilities work together and with emergency responders before and during an event that could potentially lead to power interruption in an effort to minimize the impact of service outages during an emergency event. Before major events utilities and state responders meet via conference call to discuss the forecast, the possible effects, and how to coordinate the response to ensure electric service can be restored as quickly as possible. During incidents responders and utilities work together to prioritize debris removal to ensure access to damaged infrastructure, expedite border crossings for Canadian crews providing aid, and communicating where shelters may be needed due to potentially extended outages. This approach to serving Vermonters was used to great effect during the ice storms of 2013 and 2014 that were eventually federally declared disasters.
For more information on awards or for photos contact VT DEMHS Public Information Officer Mark Bosma at 802-839-6717.
Mark Bosma
Public Information Officer
VT Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
(802) 839-6717