At their November 16, 2021, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners accepted two State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grants totaling $21,710 from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS).
Camden County Emergency Management will utilize a $9,500 grant to implement a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. These funds were available to counties to work towards the prevention of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
“This funding will allow us to equip and train volunteers to assist our community in an emergency,” said Emergency Management Director Chuck White. “We are excited to grow this program and it will continue to be a benefit to our community.”
From Left: Commissioner Trevor Readdick, Commissioner Lannie Brant, Chairman Gary Blount, Vice-Chair Ben Casey, Grants Manager Julie Haigler, Emergency Management Director Chuck White, and Emergency Management Specialist Charles Roney
The second SHSP grant totals $12,210 and will be used to purchase and install additional physical security systems to safeguard critical infrastructure from unauthorized outside intrusion.
“We are fortunate to receive this funding to add security to our essential infrastructure.” said Chief Information Officer Louis Foltzer. “This project will add an important layer of protection to ensure that vital county functions may continue uninterrupted.”
The SHSP supports state, tribal, territorial, and local preparedness activities that address high priority preparedness gaps across all core capabilities that support terrorism preparedness. GEMA/HS is the state Administrative Authority for this program. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Grant Programs Directorate (GPD).
“Both of these matters are in Camden County’s 2021-2026-2036 Strategic Plan,” said Grants Manager Julie Haigler. “Receiving these funds will allow us to accomplish our goals.”
From Left: Commissioner Trevor Readdick, Commissioner Lannie Brant, Chairman Gary Blount, Vice-Chair Ben Casey, Grants Manager Julie Haigler, and Chief Information Officer Louis Foltzer