Mulford named Person of the Year

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Dan Mulford was named the 2009 Person of the Year at the January meeting of the Ripley County Local Emergency Planning Committee. LEPC Chair Pat Thomas said Mulford has shown outstanding leadership with the group he’s served with for 14 years.

Wayne Peace, who helped pass out awards and recognitions at the luncheon, noted that Mulford volunteers “hours upon hours” to the county. Both Peace and Mulford serve as community emergency coordinators for the agency.

Mulford not only serves on the LEPC but is the deputy director of the county’s emergency planning agency where he has served more than 26 years.

He is a 35-year member of the Osgood Volunteer Fire Department where he holds Master Firefighter, Fire Medic and Master Fire Investigation credentials.

Mulford holds a myriad of certificates and is an instructor in many emergency trainings. His credentials are numerous as is his tireless efforts to train others.

In his spare time Mulford is employed full-time with the Greensburg Police Department as the 911 center manager.

Cathy May was honored for her service to the LEPC, serving 10 years on the committee. She was given a certificate and pin. “We appreciate Cathy being with us,” Thomas noted, saying she would be missed.
Mary Mattingly, news director for WRBI Radio, Batesville, will serve in May’s position as media representative on the committee with Wanda Burnett, editor of the Osgood Journal and The Versailles Republican appointed proxy.

LEPC Vice-Chair Char Roberts was presented a jacket for her 16 years of service as was Janice Hosmer. Five-year pins went to Todd Schutte and Ollie Craig and others received certificates of appreciation. Thomas noted there was a lot of “behind the scenes work” that committee members do. She said everything is “greatly appreciated.”

In reference to the H1N1 flu, Kenton Griffin with the Indiana State Department of Health said, “Hang onto your hats - it’s not over yet.”

Griffin urged those who have not yet received the H1N1 vaccine to do so. He said we are just now entering the flu season and he has great concerns about the H1N1 virus. Griffin is the District 9 team leader who has worked more than 45 clinics since April of 2009.

Those interested in getting a free H1N1 vaccine can get more information by calling the Ripley County Health Department at 689-5751. Several free clinics were held last week with health department officials and many volunteers working diligently to accommodate every citizen who wanted the vaccination.

The purpose of the LEPC is to enhance environmental protection and public health and safety.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Wayne Peace, left, presented the 2009 LEPC Person of the Year award to Dan Mulford at a luncheon held January 12 at the Versailles State Park Recreation Hall. Mulford has donated endless hours to the group that not much is known about until they are needed. The Ripley County Local Emergency Planning Committee is dedicated to protect the public's health and safety.