Haywood County Emergency Services Public Information Officer Allison Richmond is now one of just 11 people in the state to have completed FEMA’s executive level Public Information Officer course.
Richmond was instrumental in the county’s emergency response in the wake of Hurricane Helene as she used every medium possible to provide information during an uncertain time. Based on lessons learned from Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, she orchestrated setting up an emergency power supply to an FM repeater on Chambers Mountain so Canton’s WPTL could get information to those with radios.
Haywood County Emergency Management Officer Zach Koontz announced the completion of the training at an Oct. 5 Haywood County Commission meeting following a discussion of a $77,500 contract commissioners approved to update the county’s emergency operations plan based on lessons learned during Helene.
“She brings a unique skillset to the county we’re very grateful for,” Koontz told commissioners.
Haywood County Emergency Services Director Travis Donaldson shared praise for Richmond.
“Allison is really passionate about what she does every day, making sure our community knows what’s going on and what to do,” he said.
Commissioners also discussed Richmond’s valuable work during Fred, Helene, and other high-stress situations.
“It’s that calm and peaceful voice whenever everything around you is going haywire and we appreciate that,” Commissioner Jennifer Best said.