Work continues on emergency plan
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – Hermiston could soon have a plan that outlines how first responders deal with a variety of emergencies. Police Chief Jason Edmiston, who credits Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Chief Scott Stanton as being a big contributor, presented his emergency plan to the city council this week.
Edmiston said the members of the council put forth several questions, and he’s working on finding those answers and fine-tuning the plan.
“At some point down the road, we will bring what was a draft plan back to the council for approval and adoption,” he said.
Edmiston said that the flood of the Umatilla River prodded him to create the plan as he watched nearby communities who suffered catastrophic damage struggle to recover. Hermiston escaped with only damage to one park, but the chief said the warning was clear that a plan is needed.
The chief’s plan doesn’t just deal with natural disasters, however.
“Right before they tear down Rocky Heights Elementary School, we’ll be doing some training inside along with Oregon State Police SWAT, just to prepare for – heaven forbid – if we ever have some sort of a mass shooting,” he said.
