Paulding County EMA Recognizes CERT Volunteers for Exceptional Service

(Dallas, GA) – During the month of May and June 2021, Paulding County EMA recognized Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers Sid Kelly, Ruth Leber, Matthew Gray, and Anita Morgan for their dedication and commitment exemplified through perfect attendance for 2020.
Sid Kelly, who serves as the CERT Planning Section Chief, was awarded Volunteer of the Year. Sid volunteered 94 hours of his time with Paulding County through training and events last year. Sid has been a member of Paulding CERT since 2016.
Ruth Leber, who serves as the CERT Operations Section Chief, was recognized for her perfect attendance as an EMA volunteer in 2020. Ruth volunteered 67 hours of her time last year with Paulding County through training and events. Ruth has been a member of Paulding CERT since 2016.
Anita Morgan was recognized for her perfect attendance as an EMA volunteer in 2020, during which she volunteered 32 hours of her time through training and events. Anita has been a member of Paulding CERT since 2018.
Matthew Gray was also recognized for having perfect attendance as an EMA volunteer in 2020, during which he volunteered 26 hours of his time through training and events. Matthew has been a member of Paulding CERT since 2018.
Deputy EMA Director Stephen M. Dooley and EMA Coordinator/CERT Program Manager Eve Cogsdell presented each of these volunteers with a plaque and letter of appreciation.
Paulding County EMA has managed the Paulding County CERT program since it was founded in 2016. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to being ready for emergencies. Through the emphasis on rescuer safety, sound decision making, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people, CERT volunteers work together in teams to assist with missing person searches, shelter operations, SkyWarn storm spotter activations, conducting damage assessments following significant weather events, and providing logistical support with planned community events such as fireworks displays and parades. Paulding County EMA trains and equips active volunteers and the program has continued to be a very successful enhancement to the preparedness, response, and recovery goals of the agency.

Picture 1: (L-R) Deputy EMA Director Stephen M. Dooley, Sid Kelly, EMA Coordinator Eve Cogsdell

Picture 2: (L-R) EMA Coordinator Eve Cogsdell, Ruth Leber

Picture 3: (L-R) Deputy EMA Director Stephen M. Dooley, Anita Morgan, EMA Coordinator Eve Cogsdell

Picture 4: (L-R) EMA Coordinator Eve Cogsdell, Matthew Gray