News Summary
Elizabethton and Carter County have welcomed Cathy Umrichin as the new Emergency Management Director, along with Deputy Luke Gragg. This experienced duo aims to enhance community safety through effective emergency planning and cooperation with local first responders. Additionally, Shaun Smith has been appointed to lead the Carter County Veterans Service Office, emphasizing support for local veterans. These appointments mark a significant step towards improving emergency preparedness and veteran assistance in the community.
Elizabethton Welcomes New Emergency Management Director and Team
In a move that promises to enhance local safety, the city of Elizabethton and Carter County have officially appointed Cathy Umrichin as the new director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Emergency Management. This exciting announcement, made by Mayor Patty Woodby on an eventful Tuesday, brings a wealth of experience to our community.
A Profile of Experience
Cathy Umrichin isn’t just any new face in town; she brings over 30 years of experience in crisis response to her new role. Her impressive background includes pivotal roles with the NYPD and Port Authority during the harrowing events of the 9/11 attacks. This formidable experience equips Umrichin with the insights and skills necessary for managing serious emergencies.
In her new role, Umrichin will be responsible for planning and implementing crucial emergency procedures for natural disasters and other crises. She will work hand-in-hand with local first responders to ensure the community is prepared and supported in times of need. The focus will not only be on preparation but also on fostering strong relationships with the first responder community.
A Dynamic Deputy
Cathy will be joined by her right-hand man, Luke Gragg, who has been appointed as the deputy director of Emergency Management. Gragg’s journey in emergency management started way back in 1996 when he began volunteering as a firefighter. His remarkable career didn’t stop there; he transitioned to emergency medical services (EMS) and joined Washington County-Johnson City EMS, where he rose to the rank of rescue lieutenant.
Gragg’s credentials are impressive, holding multiple technical rescue certifications that include Swiftwater Rescue, Boat Operations, Dive Operations, and Fire and Vehicle Extrication. But that’s not all! He also boasts a range of instructor certifications and holds various accreditations from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). This powerhouse duo of Umrichin and Gragg is set to make a significant impact on emergency preparedness in our area.
Supporting Our Veterans
In addition to the new appointments in emergency management, the city is thrilled to announce that Shaun Smith will take the reins at the Carter County Veterans Service Office. With a robust background as a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer, Smith has served the country for 20 years, doing everything from serving as a radioman to an information systems technician on various naval vessels.
His service included five deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf, and he participated in joint task forces supporting both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Moving to Elizabethton in 2021, Smith has shown incredible commitment to the local community, and in his new position, he looks forward to assisting veterans and their families in navigating the often-complex pathways to accessing vital federal and state benefits from their military service.
Looking Ahead
The appointments of Cathy Umrichin, Luke Gragg, and Shaun Smith mark a new chapter for Elizabethton and Carter County. Their extensive backgrounds and passion for community service inspire confidence that our community is in capable hands. Here’s to a safer future for Elizabethton, where teamwork and experience will undoubtedly come together to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Let’s give them a warm welcome as they step into their essential roles!
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News
- Google Search: Elizabethton Emergency Management
- WJHL News
- Wikipedia: Emergency management
- Elizabethton News
- Google Scholar: Carter County Emergency Management
- Super Talk 929 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency management
- Carter County Times
- Google News: Carter County Veterans Service
