The Calvert County Commissioners saluted nearly 300 local government employees for their efforts last summer before, during and after Hurricane Irene. The Southern Maryland counties of Calvert and St. Mary’s sustained substantial damage—mostly caused by downed trees—during the storm, which wreaked its destruction on the Mid-Atlantic region Saturday, Aug. 27. There were no storm-related deaths reported in Calvert County.
“I feel very honored to thank everyone for their hard work,” said County Administrator Terry L. Shannon. “You all seized the opportunity to shine. All of you demonstrated your commitment to this community. You did these things while you worried about the safety of your own families and properties.”
“I thank you for your efforts,” said Commissioner Steven R. Weems [R]. After the ceremony, Weems tempered his pride in the works of Calvert County Government workers with the observation that the post-Irene period is not over for many residents.
“There are people who are just now getting their money for repairs,” said Weems. “In essence, it’s not over.”
The county was able to respond to the hard hit areas with additional road crews and new technology aided in identifying many of those locations. Department of Technology Services Director Joe Klausner explained “real-time” power outages could be viewed at the county’s Emergency Operations Center.
“Our network did not go down during the storm,” said Klausner, who credited personnel from the Division of Buildings and Grounds for their round-the-clock vigilance of the emergency center.
In the storm’s aftermath, county officials concentrating in helping utilities restore electricity, reopening roads that were blocked by downed trees and relocating temporarily displaced residents.
“I saw it first-hand,” said Commissioner Susan Shaw [R]. “What a group of professional people we have.”
The employees recognized for their outstanding work during Hurricane Irene are:
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