Emergency Operations Center up to the challenge
JOEL GIAMBRA Erie County Executive
When the freakish snowstorm of Oct. 12 hit Erie County, it presented a great challenge for

residents as well as government. The combination of heavy snow, downed trees and power lines made the usual plowing and cleanup an impossible task.

The live wires that crisscrossed the county's roads prevented plows from moving the snow, and the downed trees added to the dilemma. To make matters worse, the lack of power and phone service prevented the normal means of communication from taking place.

Thanks to the trained professionals at the Erie County Emergency Operations Center in Cheektowaga, the obstacles presented were not insurmountable. Kevin Commerford, director of Central Police Services, worked closely with Erie County Health Commissioner Anthony Billittier, Dean Messing of the Disaster Office, Public Works Deputy Commissioner Jerry Sentz, Drew Eszak of Environment and Planning and Greg Skibitsky of Emergency Services to create a plan to deal with the carnage.

The county then worked hand in hand with New York State's Emergency Management Office, also known as SEMO, to lay out a game plan that would allow FEMA to provide funding for all governmental cleanup. The precise and detailed management that the Erie County leadership provided proved to be a telling factor in receiving federal funding.

As Erie County executive, I was proud to see our department heads react to the crisis and provide the kind of teamwork that is so critical during a state of emergency. All of the drills and scenarios that our staff had taken part in added to their preparation, but it was their dedication that made the difference. The list of those who shined during the long, dark hours is long.

The leadership of the principals at the EOC such as Jim McCullough, Earl "Tiger" Schmittendorf and Danny Neaverth showed the way for those who were experiencing emergency services and relief for the first time. County parks workers under the leadership of Commissioner Andy Sedita put in long hours to clean up downed trees and debris and continue to do so. Social Services Director Michael Weiner coordinated food stamp distribution as well as other critical services. DISS Director Joe Gervase and Ken Beam provided essential computer, cell phone and technical support to make communications possible. Mark Winters of Central Police Services sent out reverse 911 calls, which became a unique way of contacting citizens.

Certainly there are others whose names I have left out, but their efforts are not forgotten.

While the storm may have darkened the landscape for several days, the efforts of the county's workers and leaders shined throughout.