The information is sourced from Wagoner County Emergency Management.
The state’s first all-female emergency responder team to deploy has been credited to a group of women working for Wagoner County Emergency Management. These women are setting an example for others in the field and breaking barriers in emergency management.
Over Memorial Day Weekend, when tornadoes struck Rogers and Mayes Counties, a team of highly trained individuals was summoned to respond.
Late into the night, Wagoner County Emergency Management was among the dedicated responders, including multiple teams from the Oklahoma Disaster Task Force, who worked tirelessly to aid in the search and rescue efforts.
A unique team caught attention in Wagoner County. This team of first responders stood out as it comprised solely of females. It is believed that this team could be the first and only all-female responder team to be deployed in the state of Oklahoma.
In times of crisis, first responders are summoned to aid in various tasks including search and rescue operations, traffic management, life-saving interventions, and cleanup efforts following destruction.
Responders are often the first to arrive at the scene and work tirelessly through the night, often without recognition. They go from house to house and business to business, meticulously searching and clearing the premises to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Captain Alecia Bennett, hailing from Coweta, led a team of four individuals who were summoned to aid in the search and rescue efforts for victims affected by the tornado that hit Pryor. Along with Captain Bennett, the team comprised of Kay Meredith from Stone Bluff, and Emilee Krehbiel and Billie Smith, both from Coweta.
Every month, the women undergo training to prepare for any potential disasters that may occur. At the beginning of their training, they may feel uncertain or unprepared, but through consistent practice and dedication, they become more confident and capable in handling emergency situations.
Each member of the team has a specific role, whether it’s being deployed as storm spotters or called upon to shut down a road in the aftermath of a disaster. Each duty is important and necessary for the team’s success.
As the severe weather approaches, Krehbiel ensures that the team is equipped with the necessary gear and provides proper oversight, while Meredith and Smith handle the communication aspect during a disaster. Additionally, Bennett offers assistance to the team.
The volunteers are responsible for tracking and spotting the storm, as well as updating the command on any specific situations that arise.
Upon being called, women are well-equipped to swiftly execute operations, having undergone thorough training and preparation.
According to Bennett, her passion lies in working with teams and serving others. While preparing for severe storms in the office, Bennett and her team, comprising of women, were partnered together by chance. However, since then, they have continued to work together and make a positive impact. “The fact that we are all women is just a coincidence, but it has become our thing,” Bennett said.
Meredith expressed her satisfaction with volunteering in simple terms, stating that it is a fulfilling experience. “I find joy in contributing to the education of individuals on how to stay safe during storms and ensuring their safety,” she said.
The team benefits from the presence of an all-woman crew, who bring a unique perspective to the table. Their contributions to strategy and decision-making have proven invaluable, and their presence adds a refreshing and dynamic element to the team. It’s interesting to see how the team functions differently than traditional all-male teams with the inclusion of women.
For the past five years, Meredith has been volunteering and has been delighted to witness the department’s growth. According to her, it has been an incredible experience, and she expressed her gratitude towards the Wagoner County Emergency Management for giving her the opportunity to serve.
For more than seven years, Smith has been generously dedicating her time to volunteer with WCEM. Throughout her tenure, she has taken on various responsibilities, but her primary role continues to be a significant contribution to the organization.
Smith is responsible for capturing the precise moments when disaster strikes and promptly dispatching the necessary alerts. He meticulously documents the actions taken by responders, providing valuable insight for command to make informed decisions.
Smith believes that women are just as capable as men in responding to disasters and taking on responsibilities. “Females can do just as many things as the men can,” she said. As a volunteer, she takes pleasure in demonstrating to others that women can handle just as much as men. Smith finds volunteering to be an enjoyable experience and takes pride in helping people in need.
As a fresh volunteer, Krehbiel was called upon for the first time during the Claremore/Pryor tornadoes. Reflecting on the experience, she shared her thoughts.
After enrolling in EMT school at the WCEM office, she discovered a passion for emergency management.
Krehbiel enrolled as a volunteer during an EMS class, unaware that just days later, she would be summoned to assist with a tornado outbreak. Reflecting on her experience, Krehbiel expresses her appreciation for the camaraderie among her colleagues, particularly her all-female team, which she finds to be incredibly empowering.
Krehbiel praised the expertise of the women in this field and acknowledged that their work is also enjoyable. He stated, “These ladies possess a great deal of knowledge, and we also have a lot of fun working together.”
At just 20 years old, Kaylie Treat already has over seven years of experience in emergency management. Her father, Smith, who is also involved in this field, introduced her to the call outs, and she has been an active part of the team ever since. As Smith puts it, “She just got brought to the call outs because she was me.”
The team is assigned Treat’s assistance for special events and any necessary responses.
Director Heath Underwood stated that the male volunteers in this team are no different from any others. They are currently undergoing swift water rescue and missing persons training to become better equipped for the types of calls they may be deployed to.
The team of women has been actively involved in various events ever since its formation. They have lent their support to events like the Muscogee Nation Festival and the Porter Peach Festival. Currently, they are gearing up for the Coweta Fall Festival and also making necessary arrangements to brace for the winter weather.
Underwood praised the volunteers in the state, stating that they are the best. This is just one of the many examples of their exceptional work.