The Alger County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) held their monthly meeting April 17 in the Munising Fire Department Training Room. The LEPC has representatives from all Alger County Fire Departments, the Sheriff’s department, EMT, Michigan State Police (MSP), US Park Service, US Forestry Service, Coast Guard, and the religious community. Its purpose is to ensure appropriate and coordinated responses to any emergency affecting Alger County and provide clear lines of communication and responsibility. The meeting was chaired by Emergency Management Officer Sam Grahovac and Emergency Management Coordinator for Communications John Imeson.

After a review of old business, the committee discussed future training aimed toward the fire departments providing first response medical care and a planned tour of the papermill for familiarization by First Responders. Lieutenant Derusha of the MSP led a brief discussion on Search and Rescue considerations utilizing community volunteers and Mr. Imeson briefed efforts to improve ongoing issues with the Park Service Radio support. Information was provided about installation of a new mapping system that will enable shortest access by first responders when responding to schools, with future plans to extend this to the papermill as well. Public comment was called, no comment was offered.

The next LEPC meeting is scheduled for August 21, with the location still to be determined.