Jack Tatum

Jack Tatum, director of Homeland Security for Park County, recently provided the Powell City Council a presentation on what his department does to manage emergencies in the county. With new people on the Powell City Council, he wanted to make sure they had that information. 

Tatum also thanked Powell Police Department for its assistance, such as with food distribution for people in need. 

“It’s been fantastic for someone who just stepped into a role,” Tatum said at the council’s March 1 meeting.

Tatum, who took over the position in fall 2019, provided some history on his department. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was created in 1979 and absorbed several federal agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002, which absorbed FEMA as well as over a dozen other agencies. The Park County Emergency Management Agency, which is overseen by the Park County Commission, was created in 1997, Tatum said. 

The department oversees a number of programs, including the Community Emergency Response Team and the county’s emergency sirens. It also provides training and coordinates various memorandums of understanding between agencies. The department also acts as a liaison between fire departments, law enforcement, state agencies and private entities. 

Tatum explained that he serves as the local emergency response authority. So, as an example, if there was a hazard material spill, the management of the response would come through his office and he’d be the point of contact for the county.

The department has an emergency operations center. It’s located in the old law enforcement center in Cody and Tatum said it is “well outfitted” and is one of the most “technically advanced” of all the counties in the state, including an 85-inch television. 

With that technology, he monitors weather patterns, in case a particularly dangerous storm or ice jam requires a response. This includes monitoring earthquake detection equipment. 

He also makes sure the documentation that FEMA requires for federal funding, such as the Threat Hazard Identification Risk Assessment, is provided to the agency. This consists of input from a number of agencies on what possible emergencies could arise in the county, and what capabilities the county has to respond. The assessment helps determine where best to direct training and funds for the next year.

Tatum also coordinates the county’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan, which has to be updated every five years and is required for various federal funding sources. The office also does one for the region, which includes Washakie, Big Horn and Hot Springs counties. 

“We’re in the process of updating that,” and the Powell Police Department is involved in helping develop the document, Tatum said.

He also maintains the supplies and equipment for the department and helps procure anything that’s needed. Among the equipment at the department’s disposal is a radio repeater, more than 60 portable radios, three portable repeaters for communications in remote areas, seven portable generators, three response trailers, trauma kits and other supplies like cots. 

Part of his job is walking public facilities, such as the courthouse, looking for any potential hazards that need to be addressed. 

“We’re keeping a pulse on any threats or hazards in the state,” Tatum said.