EMA Director, John Mathews

EDUCATION
Lincoln Memorial University – Harrogate - Bachelors of Science in Management & Leadership - 2011
Walters State Community College – Morristown – A.A.S. in Public Safety/Paramedic – 2008
EMT – Paramedic Technical Certification – 2007

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Emergency Management Director
Emergency Food and Shelter Program for Sevier County – Chairman
Sevier County Hazardous Materials Team – Vice Chairman

East TN Vice President of EMAT, and Chairman of the EMAT Membership Committee

MEMBERSHIPS
Tennessee Division of EMS, Licensed Paramedic; National Registry Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic; International Trauma Life Support (Instructor), Tennessee ITLS; Basic Life Support CPR (Instructor), American Heart Association; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (Instructor)

AWARDS/HONORS
Region 2 EMS Directors Association – EMT of the Year Award – 2007
Leadership and Academic Award, Walters State Community College – 2006-2007 

EMA Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency to provide logistics and protection to the citizens and visitors of Sevier County, Tennessee through dedication, training, knowledge and planning against any and all threats, foreign and domestic for the greater good in preservation of our heritage and freedom as provided to us by the Constitution of the United States of America.

Contact Information:

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321 Court Ave. Sevierville, TN 37862
Office: 865 453-4919
Fax: 865 908-6449

Staff:
David Hamilton- Assistant Director
Todd Spence- Communications Officer
Mike Williams- Training officer
Jason Owens- Training Officer
Rodger Ogle- Operations Officer

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8-430
On Call 24/365

All services provided by the Sevier County EMA are free to all citizens of Sevier County.

1. What is Emergency Management?

Emergency management involves the planning, assignment and coordination of the resources available in an integrated program of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery for natural or man-made emergencies. It provides for the safety of our citizens. Since all known possible hazards have been identified and plans made which address the needs before, during and after an emergency or disaster. We continually review the plans to identify and correct problems and work together with neighboring towns and the Tennessee Emergency Management to insure a correct and adequate response will be made in the event of an emergency or disaster.

2. Why is planning so important?

It is everyone's responsibility to be prepared for any emergency. Initially, emergency services will be consumed with responding to the disaster. It is up to each of us to prepare. Planning in advance will help you, your family and friends manage an emergency in a calm and effective way, which will help keep you safe.

3. What can the SCEMA do for me in an emergency?

The SCEMA is offering emergency preparedness programs (CERT) to explain what any individual can do for his or herself in an emergency, such as making sure you have your supplies where you can easily and quickly access them. The SCEMA can also provide some resources to help you make your individual emergency plan.

During an emergency, Sevier County's resources may be scarce. That is why we encourage all residents to plan in advance, with neighbors, friends and family so should you need assistance, you have people you can call on.

4. Who will determine what areas need to be evacuated?

The Incident Command Team will make that determination based on the circumstances of the incident to insure the safety of life and property. The Incident Commander will be a high ranking official of whichever agency has the lead role in the incident, (EMA, Fire, Police, Public Health, etc.).