Emergency Operations Center
330 W 2nd St
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Driving Directions
Contact Information
641-814-8333
ema@wapellocounty.org
Emergency Management
Mission Statement
The mission of the Wapello County Emergency Management Agency is to develop a comprehensive and integrated community system that coordinates emergency management resources to protect lives, property and the environment through developing mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities for all hazards that may impact our county.Local emergency management is addressed in Iowa Code Chapter 29C and in Iowa Administrative Code 605 Chapter 7. All items concerning emergency management are outlined in these codes. Complying with the mandates requires a high level of commitment on the part of the local emergency management agency.
Membership on the Emergency Management Commission is specified in Chapter 29C.9 and states the following: The commission shall be comprised of a member of the board of supervisors or its appointed representative, the sheriff or the sheriff’s representative and the mayor or mayor’s representative from each city in the county. The commission is required by code to hire an Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) who is charged with carrying out the program of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). The Administrative Code outlines the responsibilities of the Coordinator in implementing the county program.
Please contact the E.M. office by phone or email to schedule a presentation or group talk for your agency, department or group.
Homeland Security
The emergency management coordinator for Wapello County is also the Homeland Security liaison to the State of Iowa who coordinates with the Federal Department of Homeland Security. These duties include advising on the preparation for and response to any terrorist acts or natural disasters that occur within Wapello County. Duties also include partnering with local law enforcement, EMS and fire service to provide training and education.
Our Team
- Tim Richmond, Director
