Effective “as soon as possible,” Libby Mayor Brent Teske will take the reins of Lincoln County’s Emergency Management department. The commissioners made the decision Thursday, July 20, 2017, after interviewing Teske and other candidates for the position of emergency management planner.
“Obviously we’re thrilled to have Brent join the team,” Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck said. “It’s great to get a guy with not only his background and experience, but also his long record of community involvement. He’s just a great fit for this job.”
Peck said the job is essentially to plan and coordinate emergency management activities for Lincoln County. Teske will be working with fire departments, law enforcement, search and rescue, and other emergency first responders to plan for and manage disasters and emergencies in Lincoln County. He will also be responsible for the management of the county’s communications sites.
While most of Lincoln County’s first responders, such as fire, ambulance services, and search and rescue personnel, are volunteers and don’t answer to county authorities directly, the emergency management planner will be responsible for working with those agencies to develop ongoing plans for various potential emergencies, and for coordinating those groups in the event of a county disaster. The emergency management planner is also responsible for coordinating with state and federal agencies as needed for both budget and emergency management.
Teske said he is looking forward to this new chapter in his professional life.
“I’m excited to be taking on this challenge,” he told The Montanian Friday. “I’m looking forward to getting more involved with the various entities in the county and the state and working to protect the people of Lincoln County.”