Emergency management volunteer groups consolidate, maintain shared focus

Restructuring of the Cowley County Emergency Management volunteer organizations went into effect Jan. 1, combining four groups into one large group with a shared vision and mission.

The four volunteer groups — Cowley County Emergency Auxiliary, the Community Emergency Response Team, the County Animal Response Team and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service — have consolidated in one group, retaining the name Cowley County Emergency Auxiliary (CCEA).

The change was made because a lot of the volunteers were members of multiple groups, said CCEM Director Brian Stone. This led to confusion from some members, who were unsure of which group they would work with if called upon during an emergency.