Photo: DeSoto County employee Glen Davidson is joined by county officials after being presented with a plaque of appreciation for more than 50 years as a courier for the county. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
DeSoto County supervisors Monday took another step toward the construction of a new Emergency Operations Center, replacing the current facility.
DeSoto County Emergency Services Director Chris Olson made the presentation of the grant award during the morning portion of the Board of Supervisors meeting.
“Last year we applied for the Department of Homeland Security / FEMA FY2023 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program,” Olson said. “The current EOC was built in the early 90’s.”
Olson said the grant award totals $3 million with a county match of $1 million. “The Board of Supervisors has been saving funding in each budget each year for several years for this project,” he said.
The county was awarded the grant and the Board of Supervisors voted to accept the award and allow board president Lee Caldwell to sign the paperwork.
“This grant will help with part of the funding needed to construct a new DeSoto County Emergency Operations Center located on the south side of Star Landing road West of the Gwynn road,” Olson said. “The current plan is to start construction in the first quarter of 2025 with completion by mid-2026.”
Support for the grant came from local, state and federal officials, including U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly, state Sen. Michael McLendon, MEMA Director Stephen McCraney, state Office of Homeland Security Director Baxter Kruger, Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson and the Board of Supervisors.
County courier Glen Davidson, recognized for more than 50 years of service in DeSoto County. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
DAVIDSON HONORED FOR HALF-CENTURY OF WORK
Supervisors took a moment at the beginning of Monday’s meeting to honor county employee Glen Davidson, who has worked as a courier in the Administration Building, Courthouse, and Land Records Building in the Courthouse Square for more than 50 years.
Davidson goes among the buildings to collect and distribute interoffice mail and packages.
“He is witty, he is honest, Glen wants good for everyone,” said County Administrator Vanessa Lynchard. “Glen has defined goodness and self-respect in my mind.”
Board president Lee Caldwell added, “He’s the person who welcomes. He welcomes everybody.”
