MEMA History

MANSFIELD EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Historical Perspective

“Volunteers in Service to the Town”

Director: Robert B. Button
Deputy Directors: Kenneth Thompson, Wini Thompson, Arthur Birman

The Emergency Management Agency is charged with the overall “Emergency Preparedness Planning” for the Town of Mansfield. This includes the coordination of all resources of the Town, public and private, professional and volunteer, to avert or combat the effects of disaster. A pool of trained volunteer manpower service is provided to the Town in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Emergency Management as a discipline has been shaped by historical events, both nationally and internationally. It has evolved from a single focused, Cold War threat, to one that has expanded it’s parameters to an “all hazards” approach. Much of what emergency management has become today is the result of several “pendulum swings,” swinging between preparedness activities for nuclear attack, to one of the current “all hazards” approach to preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. New Deal social programs in the 1930’s initiated piecemeal and parceled out federal assistance to natural disaster victims. This was a patchwork of agencies, departments, and councils which were created by executive order, acts of Congress, administrative delegations, and reorganization plans. They were largely temporary in nature and responsive only to specific disasters. During World War 2 it became apparent for the first time that our nation was susceptible to enemy attack. As a result, the first organization and function of what was called Civil Defense was established.

Chapter 639, of the Acts of 1950 formally created the Civil Defense Agency and Norman A. Vickery was appointed as Mansfield's first Director, a position he held until 1967. William Kaphaem served as the Director until 1968, William Cunningham until, 1969, James Ebbitt until 1970, and Robert B. Button from 1970 until the present.

In the 1950's the agency concentrated on education of the general public and the identification of public fall out shelters, should there be some type of nuclear disaster. With plans available from the Federal Government one could even build his own fall out shelter at home. The agency at this point consisted of auxiliary police officers and amateur radio operators.

It was not until President Carter in the 1970’s, under his program to reorganize government, was it understood that response capabilities were scattered under five federal agencies. President Carter formed the “Federal Emergency Management Agency” (FEMA) to assist in responding to disasters, both nuclear and natural. Locally the name was changed to the Emergency Management Agency to reflect this change in direction. Volunteers were recruited to provide service to the town in both emergency and non-emergency situations. They were trained in the areas of first aid, shelter management, lost person searches, and disaster recovery. Members aided the town in the control and clean up of several oil and chemical spills. Still others provided free first aid coverage at town events. We have also been able to assist residents in obtaining disaster relief for events such as the June 1998 floods where we were able to obtain in excess of $200,00 in direct grants and $55,000 in no or low interest loans for Mansfield residents.

In 1970 the agency was dealt a major blow with the Town Hall Fire. All of our equipment and records, which were stored on the second floor, were lost in this fire. We had to start over and completely rebuild. With the aid of Federal Funding we were able to obtain approximately $150,000 towards the cost of building a new town office facility. Other Federal Programs aided us in the rebuilding of our communications network and seed money to expand our programs to meet the new all hazard approach. Locally, we worked within a 10 year plan to rebuild and replace what was lost.

In the 70's, with the aid of several Federal Surplus Property Programs we were able to obtain equipment for the town. A small Jeep and four 2 1/2 Ton Trucks, which were used as plows and sanders by the DPW, were among the first items received. A weapons carrier was converted into a Brush Fire Truck by the Fire Department. Local agency funds were used to purchase a walk-in van which was used by the Fire Department as a Rescue Truck for many years. Also purchased was a used Jeep Fire Truck which was also placed into service in the Fire Department. The Jeep and Van were ultimately turned over to MEMA for additional years of service. They have since been retired.

The Blizzard of 78 tested our newly formulated all hazard plans and found them to be workable. Mansfield fared better than other area towns because of our preparedness and of the dedication of the volunteers who stepped forward to aid our effort.

With the continuous updating and testing of our plans our agency has been able to respond to residents needs in times of emergency. From winter storms, power outages, water emergencies, lost person searches, etc., our agency has been able to respond to meet the challenge and to learn from each of these challenges so as to be better prepared for future events.

In the 90's we were able to obtain surplus generators and a Dodge Power Wagon which were placed into service in our agency.

We presently have a 1983 GMC Ambulance which is used by our First Aiders and EMT's to provide volunteer medical coverage at area events. A 1983 converted Ford Ambulance which is used as a Communications Van and Mobile Command Post. It has all of the communications equipment required to communicate with area towns and emergency services on scene. A 1977 Dodge Power Wagon which has been converted into a lighting plant and utility vehicle. A 1993 Ford Cruiser, 4 trailer mounted generators, a 400 gallon Water Buffalo, and an equipment storage trailer.

As an agency, we are normally called upon for a “full response” 10 to 12 times a year. These general “call outs” range from acts of nature to area lost or missing person searches. Each has it’s own unique circumstances from which we are able to learn and better prepare for a similar occurrences in the future. Emergency activities include providing emergency power using our four trailer mounted generators to local residents, clearing of debris from roadways, winter storm emergency transportation via four wheel drive vehicles, emergency first aid, providing an informational “hot line” during local emergencies, and the operation of shelters as required. Under our Mutual Aid Agreements, aid including manpower and equipment was sent to area communities. There are a total of 86 active members. The Emergency Management Agency is divided into five operational units: Auxiliary/Reserve Police, Medical, Communications, Engineering, and Administrative. Individual units are responsible for specialized activities ranging from the offering of Police Support with Auxiliary/Reserve Officers with ongoing Criminal Justice Training Academy education, EMT and first aid response and presence at various events, emergency communications, as well as equipment maintenance and inventory control.

Volunteers are always welcome. All that is required is a willingness and dedication to serve. We provide any required training including: CPR, First Aid, Shelter Management, Amateur Radio Licensing, Hazardous Materials, and Computer Training, just to name a few.

Our success is made possible by the efforts of not only our own membership, but by the inter-departmental cooperation, the business community, and by the residents who share their expertise with us which collectively makes our goals achievable.