Emergency Management | Pawlet, Vermont

Bob Morlino, Emergency Management Director, Town of Pawlet
Telephone 802-325-2116
Email Robertm850@aol.com

Pawlet Emergency Management Director Report — June 2021

Pawlet Emergency Management Director Report — March 2021

August 18, 2020: Vermont Emergency Management is distributing masks free of charge to towns at the level of 25% of the population. The masks are cloth and can be washed. Pawlet Emergency Management has acquired Pawlet’s allotment and we are ready to distribute to those who need masks. If you need a mask, send an email to RobertM850@aol.com and we will find a way to get them to you.

April 8, 2020: The Vermont Department of Health has launched a new “go-to resource for Vermonters to see an in-depth picture of COVID-19 activity in Vermont.” The COVID-19 data dashboard can be found online at healthvermont.gov/covid19. Visitors can click on the map of Vermont to access data about cases and other virus activity. The new dashboard expands on the core data previously provided to include cases by date, age group and gender and information at the county level such as total cases, new cases, deaths and cases per 10,000 people which is presented in list and map form. This information is updated by 11 a.m. daily and will allow all Vermonters to see more of what is known about cases in real time and how they may be impacting the state.

March 30, 2020: To learn about resources available to Rutland County residents, consult the Covid-19 Rutland County Resource Guide, prepared by the Rutland County State’s Attorney’s Office.

March 18, 2020: COVID – 19
As we all hunker down and try to avoid human contact it is important to help others who may have special needs. There are many who don’t use facebook or the internet. Please check on your neighbors (by phone) and/or people you think may need groceries or other items. A group of Rutland County volunteers has set up a website that connects people in need with people who can help. Check it out here: Rutland County Mutual Aid.
Keep our first responders in your thoughts and prayers. EMS workers, firefighters and law enforcement are not staying home if their pagers sound. As usual call 911 for any emergencies.

March 12, 2020: COVID 19/Coronavirus Preparedness
As part of the Emergency Operations Plan of the Town of Pawlet, a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) has been implemented. A COOP plan is utilized if town employees are unable to perform their jobs so that the most vital operations can continue to be performed.
For the latest information on the virus in Vermont you are directed to healthvermont.gov/covid19 or www.CDC.gov. On the CDC website you will find preparation and actions steps for home, schools, businesses, community/faith-based organizations and first responders.
The State of Vermont has activated its Emergency Operations Center to better aggregate information in the State and to better respond to any need for State aid.

Robert (Bob) Morlino of Pawlet is the Vermont Emergency Management Director of the Year. The award was bestowed on Morlino at the Vermont Emergency Preparedness Conference in Fairlee September 7, 2019.

Bob Morlino (center) with Public Safety Deputy Commissioner Christopher Herrick (left) and VEM Deputy Director Chip Deasy

Emergency Management Directors are the linchpin for emergency planning, response, and recovery in cities and towns. EMDs coordinate between residents, local governments, first responders, and the state, and are responsible for the organization, administration, and coordination of the local organization for emergency management. This award recognizes and celebrates excellence in this role. Morlino was one of the first EMDs to receive their official certification from the state of Vermont and has guided Pawlet through several natural disasters and other emergencies.

His nomination noted: “Like a great actor who has been often nominated for an Academy Award but has never gotten the Oscar, (Morlino) is overdue! This year, the characteristics which usually attach to Bob’s nomination — excellence, knowledge, geniality, dedication, being a teacher to others — are supplemented by the fact that he did a stellar job dealing with flooding which happened in his community on January 19, 2019. That afternoon, Flower Brook jumped its banks, and very quickly the firehouse in Pawlet needed to be abandoned. EMD Bob Morlino set up an alternate EOC, had multiple communications with the State Watch Officer, requested VTrans resources to deal with the ice jam, and generally followed his local emergency plan and kept everything moving in the right direction during a stressful time. His after action follow-through was detailed and exemplary. Without getting into too much detail, Bob knew what needed to be done and he did it well. He is worthy of recognition this year as an EMD exemplar.”

Town of Pawlet Emergency Management Team: Bob Morlino, director; Jay Luebke, coordinator; Leon Corey, member

Pawlet, Vermont

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