Wagoner County Emergency Management has made history by deploying the first-ever all-female emergency responder team in the state. A group of highly skilled women is being credited for this achievement.
Over the Memorial Day Weekend, when tornadoes hit Rogers and Mayes Counties, a team of highly skilled and trained professionals stepped up to respond to the emergency.
Late into the night, Wagoner County Emergency Management, alongside multiple teams from the Oklahoma Disaster Task Force, diligently worked to respond and conduct search and rescue operations.
In Wagoner County, there was a unique team of first responders that stood out. This team was composed entirely of women, and they may have been the first all-female team to be deployed in the state of Oklahoma.
In times of crisis, first responders are summoned to provide aid through search and rescue missions, traffic management, life-saving efforts, and post-disaster cleanup.
These responders are often the first ones to arrive on the scene and work tirelessly throughout the night. Despite their dedication, their efforts often go unnoticed. Going house to house and business to business, they meticulously search and clear each premises to ensure the safety of every individual.
Captain Alecia Bennett from Coweta led a team of four individuals to aid in the search and rescue efforts for those affected by the tornado strike near Pryor. The team comprised Kay Meredith, hailing from Stone Bluff, and Emilee Krehbiel and Billie Smith, both of whom are from Coweta.
Every month, the women undergo training to prepare themselves for any unforeseen disasters. At the beginning of their training, they might feel a bit overwhelmed or uncertain.
Each member of the team, whether deployed as a storm spotter or called upon to shut down a road after a disaster, has their own set of responsibilities and duties to fulfill.
As the severe weather approaches, Krehbiel ensures that the team is equipped with the necessary tools and provides oversight, while Meredith and Smith take charge of communication during a disaster. Bennett provides assistance to the team in their efforts.
The volunteers play a crucial role in tracking and spotting the storm, as well as providing updates to the command on a specific situation.
Women who are called upon to run operations are extensively trained and fully prepared to act with immediacy and efficiency.
According to Bennett, her true passion lies in collaborating with teams. “I find great satisfaction in volunteering and helping others,” she shared. “It was purely coincidental that all of us happened to be women. We were simply gathered in the office, preparing for the upcoming harsh weather, and ended up working together. From that moment on, we have continued to join forces – it has become somewhat of a tradition for us.”
Meredith expressed that volunteering brings a sense of fulfillment. According to her, “I find joy in serving because it allows me to educate individuals on the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and ensuring their safety.”
With their unique perspective, the all-woman crew brings a cool and refreshing dynamic to the team. Their contribution goes beyond strategy as they provide a different point of view compared to the traditional all-male teams.
For the past five years, Meredith has been dedicating her time and effort to volunteer work. She finds great satisfaction in witnessing the growth of the department throughout the years. Meredith expressed her gratitude towards the Wagoner County Emergency Management for providing her with the opportunity to serve, stating that it has been an “incredible” experience for her.
For more than 7 years, Smith has been dedicatedly volunteering with WCEM. Throughout her tenure, she has primarily been responsible for…
Smith records the time when disaster alerts are received and documents the actions taken by responders. This information is then used by command to make informed decisions.
According to Smith, women are just as capable as men in handling various tasks. She takes pleasure in demonstrating that females can shoulder equal responsibility as men in responding to emergencies. Smith remarked that volunteering is a fulfilling experience and she finds joy in aiding people.
Upon signing up as a volunteer, Krehbiel’s first mission was responding to the Claremore/Pryor tornadoes. In her own words, she shared her experience.
After enrolling at the WCEM office for EMT school, she discovered her passion for emergency management.
Krehbiel decided to volunteer during an EMS class, not knowing that she would be called upon to respond to a tornado outbreak just a few days later. Working with her team has been an enjoyable experience for her, especially since she is currently part of an all-women group, which she finds to be incredibly empowering.
Krehbiel spoke highly of the women in this field, stating that they possess a great deal of knowledge. He also mentioned that they all enjoy their work, which adds to the positive atmosphere.
According to Smith, Kaylie Treat has been involved in emergency management for more than seven years and is also a resident of Coweta. Being Smith’s daughter, she was introduced to call outs recently. “She just got brought to the call outs because she was me,” shared Smith.
The team is responsible for various tasks, including Treat, which involves aiding in special events and addressing any necessary responses.
Director Heath Underwood stated that these male volunteers are just as capable as any other team. The team is currently undergoing swift water rescue and missing persons training to ensure they are well-equipped to handle any calls they may be deployed to.
The women have been an integral part of the team since its inception, contributing significantly to the success of events such as the Muscogee Nation Festival and the Porter Peach Festival. Presently, they are gearing up for the Coweta Fall Festival and actively preparing for the upcoming winter weather.
Underwood expressed his admiration for the exceptional volunteers in the state, citing this as a prime example.