Brownwood emergency management officials along with emergency responders and volunteer groups came together at the Emergency Preparedness Fair on Friday to offer the public information on how to prepare for disasters and general safety information.

At Friday’s fair, different agencies had tables full of information about their nonprofit aid groups as well as emergency vehicles on display for the public to tour.   The fair was a direct effort to educate the public to prepare in advance for disasters.

Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree spoke at an awards ceremony held at the beginning of the fair and stated that Chaplain Dave Fair’s efforts pushing for emergency preparedness in this community led to events like the fair taking place in Brownwood.  In June of 2011, the city of Brownwood named the Emergency Operations Center in the Law Enforcement Center in honor of Fair.

Awards for the State of Texas, signed by Governor Rick Perry, were given by the Texas State Guard officials, Major Robert Spratt, General Miller and Colonel Prince to the City of Brownwood.   Both the city and Brownwood High School were recognized for their help providing facilities and support during the Texas State Guard’s annual training and communication exercises.

“I can’t think of a place we’re more welcomed.  This is a great training area with great people and great organizations,” stated General Miller.

Awards from Brown County Emergency Preparedness officials were given to the following volunteer organizations:

Lake Brownwood Volunteer Fire Department
May Volunteer Fire Department
North Lake Volunteer Fire Department
Lake Dam Volunteer Fire Department
Early Volunteer Fire Department
Brookesmith Volunteer Fire Department
Zephyr Volunteer Fire Department
Bangs Volunteer Fire Department
Blanket Volunteer Fire Department
Winchell Volunteer Fire Department
Salvation Army
Brownwood Amateur Radio Club
Brownwood ISD
Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Good Samaritan Ministries
American Red Cross
Howard Payne University
Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Michelle Holder
Brown County Dispatch Center

“Without volunteers, we couldn’t have an emergency preparedness department,” stated Brown County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Jodie Armstrong.

Officials encouraged the public to come to the fair, take a look at what the organizations had to offer in information about emergency preparedness and to consider becoming a part of one of these volunteer groups.

Pictured at top:  Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree receives award from Texas State Guard officials.  Pictured are (left to right) Col. Prince, Rountree, Major Robert Spratt and General Miller.  Below are more pictures from the event.

BHS Principal Bill Faircloth receives award from Texas State Guard officials.

Rountree thanks Fair for his role in establishing Brownwood’s emergency preparedness.

Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright Presents General Miller, Texas State Guard with certificate of appreciation.