Nelson takes the reins of Homeland Security

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
After just over a year as assistant homeland security director, and four months as interim Weston County Homeland Security director, Gilbert Nelson was appointed as full-time director, effective Aug. 1. 
According to Nelson, he first became interested in “emergency type work” and helping people in the community when he joined the Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department 20 years ago.
“I wouldn’t be in this seat if it weren’t for the training and work I have done with the fire department,” Nelson said.
He is excited to work with the community and educate people on the need for preparedness in all situations. 
“I want to let people know the resources are here in emergency situations,” Nelson said. “I want them to know they can come to me with questions on what to do in certain situations or anything else they might need when it comes to emergencies in the county.” 
Besides the paperwork and required mitigation plans for the county, Nelson said that working with the people of the county is going to be his biggest focus. Training and resources are important tools in bridging the gap between agencies in the community, he said.
“I want to help them work together and be that resource for them in the community to help with grants and training opportunities,” Nelson said.  
Nelson plans to work with agencies throughout the county, including in Osage and Upton, to allow for the best possible situation in any emergency the county may encounter. 
“I will do whatever I can for the whole county, and I encourage people from anywhere in the county to contact me to report damage from storms, fires or any other emergency,” Nelson said.
Life-threatening emergencies, fires or severe storm situations should be reported to 911 immediately before report the damages to him, Nelson said. 
The community is also encouraged to sign up for CodeRed through the county website or by contacting his office, he said. CodeRed allows for the best communication in emergency situations. 
“Please don’t call dispatch when the sirens are going off. They are too busy and too overwhelmed with radios and calls to answer questions about what is happening,” Nelson said. 
The best places for getting news when sirens are blaring, he said is to tune into KASL, the Weston County Homeland Security Facebook page, or the News Letter Journal Facebook page.