Tom McNamara is excited to take on the new challenges of the Southwest Regional Field Manager for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management beginning July 1, 2019. He has been in Durango for over 20 years, as the emergency management coordinator for La Plata County since 2008.
McNamara is involved in many aspects of the region including being part of his county's search and rescue team and other volunteer groups. In his 10 years with the county, he created and successfully operated the county emergency operations center (EOC) during several fires including the 416 Fire in 2018 along with several high water and snow events. He also lead the county's command participation in the Gold King Mine Spill resulting in a multi-agency alert plan and expansion of the USGS water monitoring network. He created one of the first county drone programs in the state and was instrumental in developing a local wildfire cooperative agreement in conjunction with revisions to the current State-County Emergency Fire Fund (EFF)and cooperative agreements in use today. In 2016 Tom was awarded the Southwest All-Hazards Region Emergency Manager of the year in recognition of many of these efforts.
The implementation of technology is a strength seen throughout his career. This shows in the advancement of drones and GIS systems in emergency management and development of new ways to utilize Rapid Tag. The use of Rapid-Tag culminated on last year's 416 fire where the system was utilized throughout all EOC operations for residents, businesses, volunteers and utilities simplifying access and managing critical services. His efforts, now a model for others, enhanced local the accountability for those affected or involved in emergencies and disasters. He is looking forward to bringing his experience the broader emergency management community.