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WHEELING -- Ohio County Emergency Management Agency Director Lou Vargo said West Virginia has a strong unified emergency command system, and that is evident during times of crisis.
The county EMA agencies coordinate not just first responders, but volunteer groups who bring food to those affected by tragedy.
"When the river floods and people are cleaning up at their homes, and the churches and Red Cross show up with sandwiches -- that bologna sandwich is like a steak dinner," he said. "It comes when eating is the last thing on your mind.
"Being a part of that really makes you feel good."
Vargo was honored last week by the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security with its "Freedom Award" for leadership.
"With more than 30 years of experience in emergency management, Director Vargo has shown great leadership in emergency management in Ohio County and to surrounding counties, including those in nearby Pennsylvania and Ohio," the DHS said in a released statement.
"It's very humbling," Vargo said. "I work with 55 county emergency management managers throughout the state, and they each dedicate themselves to their county. It's an honor to be honored."
Vargo won a different DHS "Freedom Award" last year for innovation, and his efforts to facilitate an organized method of statewide EMA records management.
After this, Homeland Security Secretary Jeff Sandy asked Vargo to assist the State DHS to work with West Virginia's new State Emergency Operation Center to restructure its records management system.
In recent months, he has been working with county EMAs and the West Virginia National Guard to merge their record system products and get on the same platform.
Sandy announced the awards during last week's virtual meeting of the West Virginia Emergency Management Council.
The 2021 honorees will receive the Freedom Pin, developed by Sandy in 2017.
"With this award, we seek to recognize the commitment of emergency managers who go above and beyond to keep our citizens safe," Sandy said.
"The men and women who are called to emergency management spend countless hours preparing for natural and manmade disasters to protect our communities."
DHS coordinates with 55 county and three city emergency management agencies through the Emergency Management Division, overseen by Director G.E. McCabe.
"I am forever grateful to our emergency managers' commitment to service," said McCabe. "Their diligence to (assure) the safety of our citizens and communities is made clear through action every day."