A “disaster drill”, set for Friday morning June 21, will be held near the Sulphur Springs High School area. If you notice a number of response vehicles and personnel in that area, rest assured it is part of a State-recommended effort which evaluates our local response to various scenarios that may arise during a disaster, and to test the capability of local agencies to work together under an organized command. Signs will be up to inform drivers of Friday’s drill area. The drill will be completed by noon, according to Hopkins County Emergency Management Specialist Kristi Springfield.
If you’d like to know about the safeguard structure in place for Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County residents in event of a local disaster, here are some facts. Sulphur Springs Chief of Police Jason Ricketson is the designated Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Coordinator, a position he has contributed to for the past five years. Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley is the designated Hopkins County Emergency Management Coordinator. The Hopkins County Emergency Management Director is County Judge Robert Newsom. Endsley’s jurisdiction also covers the incorporated cities of Cumby, Como and Tira. There are numerous local agencies and organizations trained to provide aid as needed. Regional assistance may be requested from Regional Response teams organized through the Ark-Tex Council of Governments, available to a 9-county area. And beyond that, response from Texas Department of Transportation and other state agencies are in place for emergency situations arising within Hopkins County and across Northeast Texas.
