August 17, 2018
Governor Justice thanks Wood County Commission,
911 official
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A longtime Wood County public servant
has received special thanks from Governor Jim Justice after he stepped up to
aid a critical state emergency response program.
Director
Ricky Lee Woodyard of Wood County 911 was presented with a Certificate of
Recognition from Justice by Chief of Staff Mike Hall and Secretary Jeff Sandy
from the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety late last week The
Wood County Commission was similarly recognized for facilitating Woodyard’s
assistance.
Woodyard
agreed earlier this year to temporarily oversee West Virginia’s Statewide
Interoperable Radio Network at the state Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, which is part of Secretary Sandy’s department.
This
critical telecommunications network connects police, fire and emergency medical
first responders. Through the latest radio technology and an array of more than
80 towers across the state, it provides coverage both for 911 centers and other
facilities as well as vehicle-mounted and handheld devices.
As
acting Statewide Interoperability Coordinator or SWIC, Woodyard helped guide the
ongoing upgrade and expansion of the network. He also oversaw West Virginia’s
participation in the state network’s emerging nationwide counterpart, FirstNet.
West
Virginia was just the seventh state to opt in on this public-private initiative
to establish a wireless broadband network for first responders. All 50 states
have agreed to participate as well as Washington, D.C. and five U.S.
territories.
Secretary
Sandy credited Woodyard with briefing Governor Justice senior staff and state
Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Crouch on the benefits and
implementation of FirstNet.
Woodyard
noted that 2018 marks his 41st year of public service. Also head of
Wood County’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office, Woodyard is a
veteran of the county Sheriff’s Department and rose to the rank of captain
there before taking over 911 in 2014.
“It
is humbling and most assuredly a team effort,” Woodyard said. “I have the
pleasure of serving with a team of people who are highly skilled and dedicated to
their community in the field of homeland security, emergency management and 911
communications.”
Woodyard
completed the 45-day temporary assignment in late June. The Certificates of
Recognition were presented on Aug. 10.
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