Acknowledging Zymanek's efforts

I retired from the Amherst Police Department in 2004 after 28 years of service. During this time, I worked during several local emergencies but last week's "October Surprise" snowstorm was the first one I faced as a civilian. I realize other people have already given thanks to our usual cast of first rate professionals such as our police and highway departments and volunteer firemen, but anyone who has firsthand experience behind the scenes knows last week's coordinated and seamless response to this potential disaster was no fluke. It was the result of a staggering amount of work in planning and preparation.

In particular, we should acknowledge Jim Zymanek, director of emergency services, for the vast amounts of time and dedication he has put into his job. My last eight years at the police department were in the capacity of training lieutenant, and one of my duties was to make sure the members of the department received adequate training in certain mandated areas, many of which touched on disaster preparedness. Often I had to seek out Jim's expertise to put together lesson plans, many of which he personally and competently delivered to our 151, now 154 sworn officers. Jim's schedule, even in the days when terrorism preparedness was unknown, was staggering, and it took a superhuman effort, with his pager continually going off, and having to accomplish more tasks than anyone could fathom. He was continually giving classes, attending training for his own job, dealing with committees and local fire and police departments, international airports and politicians, who I often felt were unaware of what this man did, or the hours worked in a typical week. There is no way to describe the workload this man and his equally able staff of Dominic Creamer and Beth Allen has continually shouldered (and always smiling along the way) to deliver to the Town of Amherst the security we enjoyed during last week's storm.

On Sept. 11, 2001, a new dimension was added to Jim's job when the mortal threat of terrorism was first truly acknowledged by America. I know Jim and his staff has been working closely with federal and local law enforcement in preparing for such eventualities to ensure a vigorous and measured response, should they happen.

Thankfully, like many other aspects of public safety, things like this don't become apparent and appreciated until a crisis happens, when all the training and planning comes together (or doesn't). Anyone who has anything to do with emergency preparedness and planning knows the crucial necessity of having competent (and dedicated) people in this difficult and often thankless job. In Jim Zymanek (and his staff), we have some real "ringers" and workers on our side. I just wanted to echo the great respect that Jim has among professionals and hope this serves to make sure credit is given where it is truly deserved.

Michael J. Worczak, retired police lieutenant,

Amherst