Plan details comprehensive emergency management efforts in Otter Tail County

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The county board of commissioners, on Dec. 12, adopted Otter Tail County’s Emergency Operations Plan. The action followed the recommendation from County Emergency Manager Patrick Waletzko.

The plan identifies the hazards that could affect Otter Tail County, sets forth the responsibilities of local government departments and agencies and outlines a means for local and state resources to be used to support impacted areas of the county.

“Pursuant to Minnesota statutes, this plan will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary,” Waletzko said.

The County Emergency Operations Plan details all comprehensive emergency management efforts. It is designed to comply with all applicable federal and state regulations and to provide the policies and processes to be followed in dealing with any emergency and/or disaster.

All local departments and agencies under Otter Tail County jurisdiction are required to abide by and cooperate fully with the provisions described in the Emergency Operations Plan.

In 2020 the county board directed Emergency Manager Waletzko, County Administrator Nicole Hansen and County Attorney Michelle Eldien to implement the county’s continuity of operations plans to address the coronavirus crisis.

“No two days have ever been the same since I started work as Emergency Manager in 2011,” Waletzko said.

“Patrick is an inspiration in his dedication to serving the people of the county,” said County Board Chairman Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids. “He has developed quality partnerships that benefit the people of Otter Tail County.”