Ottawa County Sheriff's Office

Emergency Management

12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
FAX: 616-738-4053

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Staff

Beth Thomas, PEM, Director
(616) 738-4050

Amy Oosterink, Homeland Security Regional Planner
(616) 738-4616

Sandra Schoeb, LEPC & HazMat/Tech Rescue Team Coordinator
(616) 738-4051

Christine Saddler, Records Processing Clerk
(616) 738-4052

Overview

The functions of "emergency management" have been performed in Ottawa County since the first volunteer fire departments were established in Grand Haven around 1856 and in Holland around 1849. During the Cold War era of the late 1950's Ottawa County Civil Defense was established with the primary mission of protecting the public from enemy attack. In 1979 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was formed utilizing the concept of an Integrated Emergency Management System (IEMS). Ottawa County Emergency Management uses this system as the basis for their preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation programs. This program includes government, non-government and volunteer organizations all working together to protect the lives of the public. The goals of Emergency Management are to save lives, prevent injuries and protect property and the environment if an emergency occurs.