The American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys honored DEM&HS with its 2008 Community Partnership Award. DEM&HS and the American Red Cross’ Miami-Dade chapter teamed up to assist residents who were affected by an explosion at a Miami-area apartment complex in August and the shooting of Miami-Dade Police Officer Jose Somohano in September. The two agencies also partnered to organize a hurricane functional exercise on June 2 and Storm Prep Expo 2008, a large hurricane and emergency preparedness event, on May 31 and June 1.

“I would like to thank the National Association of Counties and the American Red Cross of Greater Miami & The Keys for recognizing our hard work,” said DEM&HS Director C. Douglas Bass. “The residents and visitors of Miami-Dade County are the true beneficiaries of these partnerships because we all strive to make sure everyone is prepared and safe before, during and after an emergency.”  

“The Red Cross values its fantastic partnership with the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security,” said Sam Tidwell, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Greater Miami & The Keys. “We are grateful to have partnered with the department this past year on important community events and we look forward to working with them on future projects.”

Also, DEM&HS Government Affairs Coordinator David Perez was recently elected to a two-year term as governor of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association’s Area 7, which includes Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. As governor, Perez will inform the FEPA board of directors about activities and issues that affect Area 7. FEPA is a statewide organization dedicated to enhancing emergency management planning and preparedness activities at the local and state level.

The Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security is committed to working with its partners and the community to lessen the impact of disasters and potential catastrophic incidents. DEM&HS accomplishes its mission through planning, response and coordination of information and resources. Residents may access emergency information at www.miamidade.gov/oem.

It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call in advance Ilene Hyams at 305-375-2012.