Shannon Murphy is the new Town of Cobourg Emergency Planner and comes with a wealth of experience.
Murphy started her new job on a month ago (March 7) at the Cobourg Firehall on Elgin Street, but her background has taken her across Canada with emergency services.
Starting as a paramedic with the British Columbia Ambulance Service, Murphy advanced three times during the course of her paramedic career.
Among other positions she’s held are team leader with Search and Rescue and as a Industrial Safety Officer in the forestry, blasting, oil and gas industries.
Approximately four years ago she took on the role as Manager of Training and Development with The Loomex Group which is an aviation and emergency management business.
Adding to her list of accomplishments Murphy is also a Advanced Medical First Responder and volunteer medic with (OCEAP) Ontario Community Emergency Assistance Program/ Search and Rescue.
She’s built a successful career working as an Instructor in Emergency Scene Management, Emergency Medical Services, Compliance, Risk Management, Business Continuity, Leadership Development, Team Development, Health and Safety.
When the former Emergency Planner with the Town Of Cobourg left the position for a job in Ottawa, Murphy jumped at the opportunity to work in Cobourg.
“The posting was written for me and the opportunity to work and be home every night is very attractive.”
Working with municipalities over the last several years, Murphy has had the opportunity to work on one component of a emergency plan, “but to be able to have the opportunity to have and see it come full circle from training through to the exercise compliance – I’m really excited to be able to do that.”
The Town of Cobourg has an excellent Emergency Plan and currently Murphy is getting to know the departments within the Town of Cobourg and their roles before moving forward.
“It’s about finding out what we can do to assist and make Cobourg a compilant and safe place for all.”
The role of an Emergency Services Coordinator for Emergency Control Groups came primarily after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
“We started to realized Emergency Operation Control Groups were crucial during an emergency. The lessons learned since 9/11( ice storm 98, Elliot lake, SARS have allowed us to fine tune this program.”
Working previously with members of the Cobourg Fire Department and the Emergency Control Group, “when the posting came up I thought it was a great opportunity to work for a great community.”
For those wishing to follow Cobourg Emergency Planner on twitter, @cobourgEmergMGT for any emergency messages issued by the Town of Cobourg.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
