Waynesville Mail

VanDyke Sworn In As EMA Coordinator

On November 1st, Jeff VanDyke was sworn in as the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator for McLean, Illinois, at the McLean County Government board meeting. I interviewed Cathy Beck, the director for the McLean County EMA about Jeff’s newly appointed position. Cathy oversees all operations. The village of McLean has not had its own EMA Coordinator for over eight years. This is a volunteer position and there is no set term length or requirement for this job. Jeff will be able to work as long as he desires, or until he becomes physically incapable. 

An EMA Coordinator is in control of the emergency preparedness for the community. Jeff’s key duty is watching and preparing citizens during storms and other severe weather disasters. As an EMA coordinator, he will determine when to sound the sirens within a town to inform residents to prepare and seek shelter. He will gather information from local news stations and the national weather service to make educated decisions on what actions McLean should take during the disaster. Jeff will help keep everyone as safe as possible.

At times, Jeff, also a first responder, may assist the Mt. Hope Funks Grove Fire Department and Chief Eric Fulk if needed. Jeff will be a great asset to provide even more support in the community. McLean is excited to welcome Jeff VanDyke into the program!

More information can also be found at https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/85/Emergency-Management-Agency. McLean County also continues to post updates on their Emergency Management Facebook page.