LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, or OES, extends its gratitude to partners who embody our mission, which is dedicated to strengthening Lake County's ability to withstand disasters.

While OES serves as the lead emergency management agency for the county, achieving our mission would be unattainable without the proactive collaboration of both the public and private sectors, as well as the collective efforts of individuals and county employees.

Resilience is a core aspect of the OES mission, encompassing a comprehensive approach to emergency management, or EM.

This approach covers all types of hazards and emphasizes the crucial phases of mitigation, preparation/planning, response, and recovery.

Throughout the county, numerous agencies and individuals are unwavering in their commitment to one or more of these EM phases.

“As we reflect on the past year, we would like to highlight the exceptional partners who have exhibited qualities that are not only commendable but also serve as replicable examples to enhance Lake County's resilience,” said Emergency Services Manager Leah Sautelet.

By category, the honorees for 2023 are:

PRIVATE SECTOR | KONOCTI FIRE SAFE COUNCIL

The Konocti Fire Safe Council, a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation established with the aim of enhancing wildfire resilience in Lake County's Soda Bay Road corridor, which is home to approximately 7,800 residents. The council's dedicated efforts are concentrated on preparedness, mitigation, education and evacuation across the eight evacuation zones within their service area. These objectives are achieved through collaborative efforts with the resources provided by four homeowners associations and the Firewise communities in the region.

The Lake County Office of Emergency Services recognizes the importance of their vision, effective coordination, and substantial contributions in the pursuit of creating a more resilient community.

PUBLIC SECTOR | HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake’s primary objective is to serve its tribal members, yet it consistently seizes opportunities to assist the broader community. When necessary, the tribe graciously opens its community center to the public to provide support during events such as warming centers and PSPS relief efforts.

Furthermore, the Habematolel Pomo has generously offered its facilities to Lake County Office of Emergency Services for hosting vital public information sessions and emergency management training sessions.

INDIVIDUAL | BETSY CAWN

Cawn is a highly engaged and dedicated citizen who exemplifies an unwavering commitment to Lake County and its emergency management efforts. She actively participates in various public forums, including Disaster Council meetings and public information sessions, where she contributes her invaluable historical knowledge and insights.

Cawn's contributions are particularly noteworthy in areas that address the unique needs of the aging and access or functional needs populations, showcasing her profound dedication to the betterment of our community.

COUNTY EMPLOYEE / DSW | MIREYA TURNER

Turner rejoined the County as the Community Development Director in fall 2022. Shortly thereafter, she reached out to OES to initiate a discussion regarding staffing requirements for the Emergency Operations Center, or EOC, and extended her department's assistance to bolster emergency management endeavors.

She also played an active role in supporting the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update process.

Though additional hours and responsibilities might not be everyone's aspiration, Turner embraced her duty as a disaster service worker and proactively immersed herself in the process, all in the pursuit of enhancing Lake County's well-being.

Lake County OES appreciates the dedication of all Lake County residents, visitors, service providers and government entities.

To learn more about what you can do to build Lake County’s resilience to disaster, visit www.lakesheriff.com/about/oes.