Emergency Operations Center
The state of Florida recently experienced a historic event that will forever be remembered as “Irma.” Not often does an event have such statewide impact as Hurricane Irma did on those who reside in Florida.
Several team members from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) spent many hours at the state’s Emergency Operations Center during Hurricane Irma. Eddie Kay Harris and Doug Roberts were a vital link between APD and the other agencies manning the EOC to get critical needs met. Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters staffed the EOC Communications function several times during the storm. Several APD employees from the State Office volunteered to man the Florida Emergency Information Line for an overnight shift. They were Lisa Robertson, Thomas Pritchard, Janette Nazzal, and Kaleema Muhammad. Doug Roberts has subsequently deployed to the Joint Field Office in Orlando to continue this essential liaison work as we move into recovery.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) would like to recognize and thank our dedicated staff, Waiver Support Coordinators, providers, and partners for their hard work and dedication to the people we serve during this natural disaster.
Behind the scenes, Beth Mann Pace acted as Operations Chief, leading our ongoing calls in our own Operations Center. APD Chief of Staff Karen Hagan and many persons unselfishly worked countless hours to perform Continuity of Operations Plan activities, as well as lead our providers and clients through the response and recovery process. We value and appreciate their commitment to serving others in this time of need.
Eddie Kay Harris spent many hours at the Emergency Operations Center.
Thomas Pritchard, Janette Nazzal, and Kaleema Muhammad working at the FEIL prior to Hurricane Irma.
Doug Roberts joined right in to assist APD customers working with at the EOC.
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