2015/12/07 RESOLUTION TO HONOR GARY POPE EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR RESOLUTION TO HONOR GARY L. POPE
THAT WHEREAS,Gary Lynn Pope began his service with Harnett County on December 1, 1992,and was
appointed Emergency Services Director on August 21, 1995;and •
WHEREAS, Gary's tenure as Emergency Services Director has moved Harnett County's emergency response
capability forward as he has built partnerships with emergency agencies and organizations inside and outside of the
County,seeking every possible training opportunity for emergency responders and creating an emergency services
network that other agencies seek to emulate;and
WHEREAS,Gary has spearheaded the creation of numerous county-wide emergency management plans and
committees including an Emergency Management Strategic Plan for the county,an"all hazards"emergency
operations plan,a continuity of operations plan for Harnett County and each of its municipalities,a comprehensive ,
crisis response plan for Harnett County Schools,a Clandestine Drug Lab Response Plan and a Bio Terrorism Plan,
among others,as well as specialty teams within Harnett County Emergency Services including a dive team,search
and rescue team,and a confined"space team,all of which are crucial to local and mutual aid response;and
WHEREAS,Gary has demonstrated a passion for making sure Harnett County's emergency responders are •
prepared for any disaster.He has led Harnett County through drills to prepare for many different types of disasters
including natural disasters,terrorism and bio terrorism,Avian flu,school emergencies and nuclear disasters.The
result of these efforts has been evidenced by the County s response to numerous incidents over the years including
search and rescue operations,inclement weather,Hurricane Fran in 1996 and the deadly tornadoes of 2011;and
WHEREAS,Gary has secured more than$1 million in critical equipmentand training for area first responders
through U.S.Department of Homeland Security grants;and
WHEREAS,Gary has worked to save the taxpayers of Harnett County money through realignment of the County's
fire tax districts and strategic placement of emergency response equipment and personnel.
WHEREAS,Gary has built strong relationships with emergency response agencies in other counties,as well as •
with local,state and federal partners.He never hesitates to offer assistance to surrounding counties and to counties
across North Carolina and the United States,and Harnett County has reaped the benefits of these partnerships when
it has needed assistance;and •
WHEREAS,Gary has worked tirelessly to establish Harnett County as a leader in the field of emergency services
and has been recognized with numerous awards for his efforts including the Colonel Nicholas Waters Award,the
North Carolina Public Health Partners Award,North Carolina Society of Fire Rescue Instructors Instructor of the
Year and Erwin Man of the Year.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners that Gary Pope is
hereby commended and honored on behalf of all the citizens of Harnett County for his exemplary service and
contributions to Harnett County. The Board does hereby express its appreciation of Gary for his outstanding
leadership,integrity and dedication given in his service as Emergency Services Director and it further gives its best
wishes to Gary and his family in his retirement.
Adopted this the 71°day of December,2015.
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Jim Burgin,C tan
C. Gordon Sp ' gle, V;rCha'jj . i=L- te; 'Abe Eltt.re
•
Barbara McKoy ;d r:,- ' ' Joe Mi er
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