Recently, the Iowa Department of Public Safety recognized all emergency medical service personnel for their efforts this winter season responding to calls in the harshest of weather conditions.

Greene County Emergency Management Coordinator Dennis Morlan says receiving recognition like this is a great thing, but he takes it a step further and commends the efforts of law enforcement agencies as well.  He points out that every time they respond to a call, law enforcement is right there with them shouldering the same responsibilities that they have.

His biggest concerns during the winter season is when there are “white-out” conditions because there are multiple challenges with visibility issues and being extra careful of your surroundings.  Over the years, the calls that he remembers the most are ones that involve fatalities.

Morlan notes that even though the snow totals are higher than normal this year and some of the coldest temperatures on record, he is thankful that the snow has come in small amounts each time which makes it easier to deal with unlike other parts of the region.

Morlan states that his top priorities every time he or his staff goes out on a emergency call is to care for the victims involved in an incident and bring all of the responders home safely.  He appreciates the work that both the responders and law enforcement does because he believes it is a total team effort every time they respond to an emergency call.