WHITE COUNTY OFFICE of PUBLIC SAFETY

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

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WHITE COUNTY GEORGIA

Contents

3 Letter from the Director 4 County Commissioners 5 Organizational Chart 6 Mission & Vision 7

Division Commanders

8 Administration 10 Animal Control 14 Emergency Management

About

Each year White County’s Office of Public Safety compiles an annual report to showcase activity and accomplishments of its Divisions. This annual report is an opportunity for constituents and stakeholders to see the performance and achievements of White County’s Office of Public Safety and its four subsidiary divisions. This report shares day-to-day activity and also displays Key Performance Indicators that are measured on a quarterly basis.

18 E/911 Communications 20 Fire Services

Office of Public Safety White County Government 1241 Helen Highway, Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-9500 BLIC PU BLIC PU BLIC PU

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A Note from the Director David L. Murphy, GA-PCEM Dear Citizens of White County, I am proud to present to you the 2022 Office of Public Safety Annual Report. This report reflects the many accomplishments of the four combined agencies in the Public Safety Office organization: Animal Control, Emergency Management, E911-Communications, and Fire Services. It is an honor to work alongside the officers, civilian personnel and volunteers who dedicate themselves to serve White County with the highest degree of professional standards. We remain true to the mission, vision and core values of White County Government. In 2023, the Office of Public Safety will continue to emphasize the planning for future needs, training and education for all our personnel, all the while attending to the needs of our constituents. On behalf of everyone at the Office of Public Safety, I thank you for your unwavering support and assure you that we will serve this community with honor and integrity. It is our goal to earn your trust and respect every day not only for what we achieve, but for how we do it.

David L. Murphy Director, Office of Public Safety Serving White County Since 2005

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White County Board of Commissioners

Travis Turner Chairman

Craig Bryant

District 4 Commissioner

Terry Goodger District 1 Commissioner

Edwin Nix

District 3 Commissioner

Lyn Holcomb

District 2 Commissioner

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Organizational Chart

Citizens of White County

The Residents of White County Travis Turner, Chairman Terry Goodger, Commissioner District 1

Board of Commissioners

Lyn Holcomb, Commissioner District 2 Edwin Nix, Comsissioner District 3 Craig Bryant, Comissioner District 4

County Manager

Director of Public Safety

David L. Murphy Jr., PCEM

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Public Safety Divisions

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WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA Mission Statement

White County’s Mission is to provide outstanding customer service and to improve facilities and infrastructure to allow our community to be the best place to live, work, and play.

Vision Statement

To be the premier mountain community providing highest quality services for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

Core Values

CUSTOMER-FOCUS We recognize that

customer means citizens, visitors, and employees. We maintain a proactive approach to serving customers by anticipating their needs and responding in an effective way all while maintaining a high standard of accountability.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY We strive to be

good stewards of public funds in a transparent, ethical, and responsible manner.

INTEGRITY We believe in being honest in all

our interactions, having strong moral principles, and treating everyone with respect and fairness.

EXCELLENCE We are a team committed to

continuous improvement as we set and achieve goals, consistently perform at a high level, commit to continued education and development, and look for innovative ways to adapt our processes.

PASSION We are passionate. Passion is an

internal motivator, a following of one's values, a regard of one’s intrinsic, unique desires. It's an energy that comes from within – it is not forced on from without. Passionate people make an impact.

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Strategic Priorities

EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

Our government practices will align with the principles of service, innovations in technology, streamlined government, fair and balanced taxation, transparency, financial responsibility, a trained and professional workforce, data-based decision making and civic engagement which in total creates an environment for a thriving and robust community.

SAFE & ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY

Our family-friendly neighborhoods and communities will be safe and secure. Our recreation, parks, and greenspace amenities will provide leisure and cultural opportunities for all citizens and visitors regardless of age and ability. The quality-of-life experience will be second to none.

WELL MAINTAINED ROADS AND FACILITIES

Our focus will be that roads and facilities are public assets and we will maintain these assets in order that citizens receive a return on their investment.

WELL PLANNED AND PREPARED COMMUNITY

Our approach will be proactive as we develop both short- and long-term goals for advancement of our County as we work in partnership with our community to implement positive change, prepare to be responsive in critical situations, and work to mitigate any undesirable outcomes.

OUTSTANDING RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGES

Our goal is to maintain and facilitate the development of a well-balanced system of parks, trails, natural areas, historic resources, recreation facilities, and cultural opportunities that provide residents and visitors of all backgrounds enjoyment.

Division Commanders

SHERRILL DOCKREY

Operations Chief White County Animal Control Services

DON STRENGTH

Deputy Director / EMA Division Chief White County Public Safety

MICHAEL LEFEVRE

Deputy Director / Fire Services Division Chief White County Public Safety

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Public Safety Administration 2022 Annual Report Major Accomplishments Hired Division Chief’s Don Strength and Michael LeFevre. Chief Strength over sees 911 Communications, Animal Control, and Emergency Management Divisions. Chief LeFevre over sees the White County Fire Service. Both Chief’s saw significant accomplishments in their respected Divisions throughout their first year of service in these rolls.

Administration is tasked with oversight and supporting of all four divisions that make up the Office of Public Safety. Administration is lead by the Executive Leadership team consisting of the Director, EMA Division Chief, and Fire Services Division Chief. Included in Public Safety

Public Information Department designated with the hire of Public Information Officer. Public Information saw significant increase in audience and engagement across social media platforms as well in Media and Community Relations. Logistics Services, formerly under the Fire Service Division, began servicing all Public Safety Divisions. The office saw growth in request as they worked to streamline and make the department more efficient. Open Records Services designated to an Open Records Clerk. This designation consolidated the responsibility from each division to Administration that services all divisions.

Administration is the Office Manager, Administrative Assistant, Public

Grants

Information Officer, Logistics Officer,

Public Safety Administration works to support our frontline first responders, respond to constituent request, and strives for the advancement in Public Safety initiatives for the citizens and visitors of White County.

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Federal Grants Awarded

and the Open Records Clerk.

WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Administration, Annual Report 2022

Open Records

CodeRED

About White County Office of Public Safety oversees and fulfills the request of Open Records for all four subsidiary divisions. The goal of Open Records is to fulfill request or acknowledge within 24 hours of receiving the request. Total Open Records Request Open Records Request Completion or Acknowledgement within 24 Hours

Goal

2022

-

157

80%

98.11%

This automated system calls home and businesses in the affected area and delivers a recorded message to notify the public about the emergency and what actions they may need to take. 2022 YEAR-END SUBSCRIBERS: 25,708 To sign up, visit: https://bit.ly/wc-coderedsignup

Public Information About

Accomplishments

White County Public Safety’s Public Information Department oversee Media and Community Relations. The Public Information Officer serves as the web administrator for Social Media channels and coodnates the release of information to news outlets.

Branded all divisions of White County’s Office of Public Safety. The branding is focused around a streamlined set of badges. The branding has been carried out across online platforms, print media, and vehicle lettering for all divisions.

2022 Audience Growth Social Media Audience

35% 5,321

Press Releases

35

Stories covered by media

28

Questions Asked / Answered

34

Scenes Responded To

23

Events Attended

31

Coordinated the dissemination of Public Information for multiple large scale events such as structure fires or weather events. 35% increase in audience size across all Social Media Accounts. Instagram and YouTube pages created to increase reach of educational and informational content. Started a series of Employee Spotlights, combined these videos received a total of 5,523 views across Facebook and YouTube platforms. First-ever livestreams took place to disseminate information on the 2022 Christmas Weekend Weather Event. The livestreams reached a total of 21,000 people.

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Animal Control Division 2022 Annual Report BLIC PU

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The Animal Control Division serves to protect the health and safety of our citizens. In addition, the program serves to protect the welfare of animals and to

Animal Violations and Complaints Animal Control Officers enforce the Animal Ordinance throughout White County. Of the 747 calls for Animal Control, 130 were inside the City of Cleveland, 22 were inside the City of Helen, 61 were inside the Sautee-Nacoochee Historic District and the remaining were in the unincorporated areas of the county. These incidents were mostly complaints received and a small percentage officer-initiated event.

prevent cruelty and neglect. Animal Control Officers are responsible for enacted by the White County Board of Commissioners and the laws and regulations of the State of Georgia. They typically receive calls for service if an animal is found loose and unattended or abandoned. Animal

Complaints by Jurisdiction

enforcing all animal related ordinances

647 534

130

61

22

Control Officers will also assist in cases of nuisance animals which include damage to property, attacks of a human or another animal, excessive barking, or

Complaints by Type

chasing vehicles, bicycles, or people. It is the duty of an animal owner to be

5

Abandoned Animals

responsible; however, violations of any

74

Animal Attack / Bites

65

Animal Cruelty

354

Stray Animals

227

Barking Complaints

44

Other Violations

28

Viscious Animals

19

Livestock

ordinance could result in a citation and/or having their animal impounded.

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WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Animal Control Division, Annual Report 2022

Major Accomplishments #1

Partnered with CatSnip to Spay and Neuter 384 cats.

#2

Hosted Rabies Clinic and vaccinated 98 pets.

#3

Obtained new contract with Cleveland Veterinary Hospital.

#4 Partnered with Tractor Supply, Cleveland to host free adoption events.

Animal Intake The White County Animal Shelter accepts animals brought in by Animal Control, animals owned by White County citizens and unwanted strays found in the county.

2021

2022

Owner Surrendered

491

538

Stray

932

873

Total Intake

1469

1453

Intake by Species

558

Canines

853

Felines

11

Other

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Other Activities 2020

2021

2022

Citations Issued

21

11

33

Training Hours by Sta

198

197

70.25

Goal

2022

70%

81.14%

Animal Dispositions Disposition by Type

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Animal Save Rate – Adoptions, Rescue, Transfers

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WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Animal Control Division, Annual Report 2022

Spay and Neuter Spay and Neuter Program White County Animal Control partners with CatSnip and local Veternary Clinics to provide spay and neutering to our pets. If an animal is adopted prior to spay/neuter, Animal Control Officers work with adoptive families to provide cost-affordable spay/neuter.

737

536 416

389

Animal Control Annual Revenue Revenue by Type

About Animal Control Revenue The revenue originates from adoptions, grants, animal services, donations, and fees. Fines are collected by Magistrate Court and are dispersed into the fines and forfeitures account. Revenues help off-set the cost of operations for the Division.

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Emergency Management Division 2022 Annual Report Emergency Management Services Mitigation of and planning for large-scale, all-hazards emergencies and disasters. BLIC PU

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Coordination of large-scale emergencies and disasters. Development, maintenance, and execution of the County’s Emergency Operations Plan. Liaison to local, county, state, military, and federal agencies, and departments.

Emergency Management has developed a comprehensive emergency management system which has enabled White County to effectively protect its citizens from the wide range of hazards that threaten the area. The success of this system is built on an all-hazards approach and strong partnerships our community. Our community consists of federal, state, and local partners; voluntary and other non-government and community-based organizations; and the private sector, such as utilities and medical service providers.

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Coordination of multi-jurisdictional exercises and training. Management of resources to assist responders and the affected population. Administration of federal and state grant funding. Conduct community education and training.

Community Hazards and Threats Natural Hazards

Manmade Threats

Our area has endured numerous natural disasters. There is no certainty that subsequent disasters will be equal, less, or greater than the magnitude of previous disasters. However, as the county continues to grow, the consequences from a major disaster are exponentially increasing. Although many different natural hazards may affect the county, the four most likely to have significant impact are wildfires, thunderstorms, winter storms and tornadoes.

Hazardous Materials

There are many sources of hazardous materials in White County. These sources include chemical manufacturers, service stations, healthcare facilities and hazardous disposal sites. Hazardous materials are also shipped daily on area highways.

Terrorism/Cyber Attacks

All White County, to include the City of Cleveland and Helen are vulnerable to acts of terrorism. While we have no experience to draw from, it is prudent and appropriate that all jurisdictions consider the possibilities.

WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Emergency Management Division, Annual Report 2022

Recovery

Mitigation

Response

Preparedness

Preparedness Preparedness is a shared responsibility. While such measures can reduce vulnerability to a disaster and decrease risk, hazards cannot be eliminated. White County EMA collaborates with all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors. Additionally, EMA encourages families and businesses to be ready for small emergencies as well as large disasters by making emergency preparedness planning resources available.

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Prevention

EOC EMERGENCY

OPERATIONS CENTER

Incident Management & Facilities The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) provides a central location from which government at any level can provide interagency coordination and executive decision-making in support of the incident response. The EOC does not command or control the on-scene response, but rather carries out the coordination function through Information Gathering, Priority Setting, and Resource Management

Operational Planning Emergency Management Planning is a complex but critical field that encompasses the five basic phases of emergency management. The Emergency Operations Plan and its associated support and incident annexes are the cornerstone for disaster management across all the phases. The plan is reviewed annually, and in 2022 the plan included new, expanded, and strengthened annexes. These annexes are: • Emergency Roadway Operations • Hazardous Material Reporting Facilities • LEOP Contacts Directory • Outdoor Early Warning Plan • School Safety Plan • White County Resilience Plan

Emergency Management Activity by type 2022 4

EOC Activated

96

EMA Response

70

Emergency Notification

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Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Drone Program In October of 2022, White County Public Safety’s Emergency Management Division added UAS1 to it’s fleet. The UAS was deployed on 24 missions from October to the end of the year. The drone is equipped with a 56x zoom lens as well as a 640 class Flir Camera (thermal imaging). The drone aids in Search and Rescue as well as overwatch for crews fighting structure and brush fires.

Training and Exercises About Training and Exercises Training and exercises for emergency response is an integral part of community preparedness. Emergency Management coordinates and participates in multiple activities every year. Exercises are designed to allow personnel to test and validate plans. Exercises allow for opportunities to bring together personnel from multiple agencies to simulate and test capabilities.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service About A primary responsibility of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service is the performance of public service communications for the public, particularly in times of emergency when normal communications are not available. White ARES supports the emergency communication needs of the citizens of White County. 333 Training Hours Completed in 2022

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WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Emergency Management Division, Annual Report 2022

Community Emergency Response Team

WHITE COUNTY

About CERT The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. In 2022, members volunteered and completed training for a total of 4,879 hours.

CERT 2022 Statistics

2021

2022

3

16

81 hours

1,176 hours

4

2

101 hours

595 hours

3,105 hours

4,879 hours

Number of Events / Deployments Number of Event / Deployment Hours New CERT Members Added Community Training Hours CERT Member Training Hours

Severe Weather Monitoring and Warning Program EMA uses various public warning systems to alert the public about emergencies, and any actions they should take to respond. Messaging is coordinated to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Outdoor Warning White County has a series of outdoor warning sirens located in 18 sites in the most densely populated areas. As grant funds become available this system will continue to develop. These sites are tested the first Wednesday of each month around noon.

Emergency Notification System The Emergency Notification System sends alerts of emergency situations that are a threat to life or property, or situations deemed dangerous by public safety officials.

This automated system calls home and businesses in the affected area and delivers a recorded message to notify the public about the emergency and what actions they may need to take. To sign up, visit: https://bit.ly/wc-coderedsignup

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E/911 Communications 2022 Annual Report

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911 The 911-Central Communications Division is an integral part of the Office of Public Safety. This division provides optimum communications for the White County Sheriff’s Office, White County Fire Services, White County Emergency Medical Services, White County Animal Control, Cleveland

Major Accomplishments Welcomed new Division Chief, Don Strength Signed contract with New Cad Vendor SSI Personnel completed 1,004 hours of training Certified (1) One Training Officer and (1) One Supervising Communications Officer Completed and Implemented of new Basic Communications Officer Training program Successful GCIC Audit and implemented Monthly Internal GCIC Audits.

Police Department, Cleveland Fire Department, Helen Police Department,

Key Performance Indicators

and Helen Fire Department.

Goal

2022

911 Answer Rate within 10 seconds

95%

98.11%

911 Incidents Dispatched within 2 Minutes

95%

82.87%

The E-911 Communications Center is a 24/7 operation and is manned with four (4) twelve (12) hour shifts utilizing three to four Communications Officers per shift.

Call Volume

The 911 Center processes phone calls from three sources: 9-1-1 emergency lines, alarm lines and administrative lines. The 9-1-1 emergency lines are transferred from another 9-1-1 center. Alarm lines are used only by alarm monitoring companies reporting various types of alarms, and administrative lines are used for all

Call Volume by Year

reached by dialing “9-1-1” or by being

136,940

128,997 108,816 95,973

other phone calls.

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WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, E-911 Communications Division, Annual Report 2022

87,951

Total Incidents / Radio Calls

215,607

199,687

181,383

164,378

172,682

2022 Total Activity by Agency 2,268

Animal Control

1,317

Cleveland Fire Department

40,160 7,171 96

Cleveland Police Department County Fire Service Emergency Management Agency

8,438

County Emergency Medical Service

1,038

Helen Fire Department

30,601 507 80,627 459

Helen Police Department Public Works County Sheriff’s Office Other Law Enforcement

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Fire Services Division 2022 Annual Report Director of Public Safety

Deputy Director/Fire Service Division Chief

White County Public Safety’s Fire Service Division is the county’s largest fire service protecting more than 242 square miles and serving more than 32,400 constituents. In 1988 the Georgia Mountain Commission developed a plan that included the expansion of fire protection in White County. Prior to this, White County was served by Cleveland Fire Department, Helen Fire Department, Sautee Nacoochee Fire Department and White Creek Fire Department. The White County Fire Department was established in 1991 with the building of four new stations and incorporating the Sautee and White Creek volunteer stations. White County Fire Service is divided into (3) Shifts totaling (21) Career Firefighters. The Fire Service is also supported by (3) Administration positions, (20) Part-time Firefighters, and (28) Volunteer Firefighters. Each manned station (Station 2, Station 3, and Station 4) houses 2 Firefighters per shift. In addition, there is (1) Captain per shift that is Acting Officer in Charge. Each of the (7) Stations provide 24-hour-a-day fire protection, rescue, and basic life support through it’s full, part-time, and volunteer firefighters.

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Battalion Chief - Administration

Battalion Chief (V)

Battalion Chief - Operations

A Shift Captain

Volunteer Firefighters

B Shift Captain

C Shift Captain

Training Captain

Fire Supression This department is the backbone of the Fire Service. All administration functions of the department ultimately are conducted to support the Suppression Division. This division contains field personnel working in fire stations and responding to the constant requests for assistance from constituents. While stations are staffed primarily with career full-time Firefighters and part-time Firefighters, we are also supported by Volunteer Firefighters. Three stations are manned 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Additional stations are manned during severe weather events.

Average Response Time Time Personnel Spent at Incidents

2021

2022

10.25 min

10.81 min

4,551 hours

5,028 hours

WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Fire Services Division, Annual Report 2022

Professional Development

Community Risk Reduction

About

About

Training and professional development is responsible for providing instruction in modern firefighting practices, emergency medical procedures, and maintaining a proficient level of expertise to all department members.

White County Fire Services coordinates initiatives throughout the county to educate their constituents on Fire and Life Safety. Fire Services also oversees other programs such as building inspection and compliance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of White County.

2022 10,272.5 hrs

Training Hours

Volunteer Firefighters Number of Volunteer Firefighters 48 42

44

2022 Fire Safety Education

2,918 participants

Free Smoke Detectors

8 installed

Building Inspections Pre-Plans

19 297

43

28

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Major Accomplishments Hosted first-ever Emergency Medical Technician class. Began October 2022. Station 2 and Station 5 rennovations and exteriors painted. Developed new promotional policy set to be carried out in 2023. Purchased land for future Fire Station 9. Pre-incident plans created for multiple scenarios on Mount Yonah. Educated 1,918 Students during Fire Safety Month in October. Established “FireFix” to streamline equipment maintenance request.

Stations Headquarters

1241 Helen Highway Cleveland, GA 30528 Director of Public Safety

Fire Services Division Chief

Battalion Chief Administrative

Battalion Chief Operations

Reserve Apparatus

Rehab 1

ALS Medical Ambulance 1

ALS Medical Ambulance 2

EMS Supervisor

Station 2

7494 Duncan Bridge Road, Cleveland, GA 30528 Captain 1

Engine 2

Tanker 2

Rescue 2

Station 3

33 Garland Bristol Road, Sautee, GA 30571 Engine 3 ALS Medical Ambulance 3

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Tanker 3

Wildland 3

ALS Med 3 housed at Helen Fire Department located at 120 Unicoi St, Helen, GA 30545

WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Fire Services Division, Annual Report 2022

Station 4

1650 Westmoreland Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528 Engine 4

Engine 102

ATV 4

Boat 4 ALS Medical Ambulance 4

Station 5

380 Shoal Creek Church Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528 Engine 5

Engine 101

Rescue 5

Station 6

6449 US-129, Cleveland, GA 30528 Engine 6

Tanker 6

Rescue 6

Station 7

4149 Highway 356, Sautee, Georgia 30571 Engine 7

Tanker 7

Rescue 7

Wildland 7

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Calls for Service by District This graph illustrates the station district where calls occurred. Fire units are often called into a neighboring station territory as backup. Cleveland represents auto aid calls in the county handled by Cleveland City; while Helen represents auto aid calls in the county handled by Helen City. White County Fire Services responded to a total of 2,274 calls in the year 2022.

619 558 456

298

271 184

116

100

6

Apparatus Responses Graphed by Unit Number 564

381

358

251

76

103

139

132 83 8

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245

220

7

20

10

6

2

5

16

2

3

13

33

89

56 2

1

2

WHITE COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY, Fire Services Division, Annual Report 2022

7

Responses by Type

9% Canceled in Route

56% Medical 8% Vehicle Accidents

3% Smoke Investigation

.5% Rescue

2% Structure Fire

7%

4% Other Fire

Other

8% Public Assist

1.8% Alarm Activation

Fire Responses by Type

26.32%

Structure Fire

14.74%

Vehicle Fire

34.74

Vegetation Fire

11.58%

Illegal Fire

12.63%

Other

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Office of Public Safety White County Government 1241 Helen Highway, Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-9500

WWW.WHITECOUNTYGA.GOV