PORTAGE, Mich. — Kalamazoo County and the City of Portage are hoping to move forward with plans to jointly hire an emergency management specialist to improve regional disaster preparedness.
The position, which will be full time for Kalamazoo County and part time for Portage, is designed to coordinate emergency response policies and procedures for both jurisdictions. The move follows last year’s EF2 tornado that swept through parts of West Michigan, leaving significant damage in its wake.
- Similar coverage: Proposal to enhance emergency services funding and response in Kalamazoo under discussion
“It was one year ago that county commissioners began looking at how to strengthen our emergency management response,” said Kalamazoo County Commissioner Jeff Heppler. “We need to look at funding and upgrading how we respond to disasters.”
According to Portage Chief Operating Officer Adam Herringa, the position was previously filled by an employee who retired just before the May 7, 2024, tornado. The joint role is expected to oversee the maintenance of emergency operations equipment such as response vehicles, generators and trailers, as well as coordinate disaster management plans, hazmat trainings and emergency drills…