By HEATHER WALTERS
A captain with Colleton County Fire-Rescue has received her state certification to be an emergency manager. Capt. Janet Laney, who works with the countywide firefighting and emergency response agency, is now a certified Emergency Manager. She also works with in the Emergency Management Division of Colleton County Fire-Rescue, which oversees all emergency responses and pre-emergency planning for the county. Laney was recently presented with her certification by Kim Shiverdecker, the EMD Regional Manager for the Upstate of South Carolina. “We are proud of Captain Laney’s accomplishment and hard work,” said Barry McRoy, chief of Colleton County Fire-Rescue. “Her commitment is a reflection of all Fire-Rescue’s personnel’s selfless service to our citizens.” The South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager Program is a multi-layered program for emergency management professionals in the Palmetto State. It improves the state’s overall preparedness for emergencies by preparing individuals for the tasks needed to respond. Those who become certified must complete more than two dozen courses, as required by the state. These courses cover everything from how to help animals in an emergency to hurricane preparedness and even radiological response. Certified emergency managers must also complete at least 100 hours in emergency management, and also go through an actual emergency, either through a simulated exercise or one that occurs.
