Frederick saying farewell

By Staff
Jason Cannon, FCT Publisher
After spending more than 40 years working in the high stress environment of Emergency Management and Civil Defense, it's hard to get Franklin County EMA Director Carol Frederick rattled.
However, when she announced her retirement at the county commission work session, you could hear the emotions tangling themselves in her voice.
"I have enjoyed working for the Franklin County Commission for over four decades," she said. "…I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the development of this association."
Frederick began her career as secretary for the Civil Defense Program 44 years ago. In 1979 she was appointed Director of the Franklin County EMA.
While in office she helped organize the Franklin County Fire and Rescue Association.
"This association has responded to several natural disasters and serves as a vital part of this county today," she said. "I feel very fortunate to have been part of the development of this association."
She has also helped usher in a Technical Response Team and the Franklin County Dive Team.
While serving as director for the county's EMA, she has helped secure grant funding and equipment for the Special Response Team and law enforcement agencies across the area from the Department of Homeland Security.
Frederick has also helped land grants from the state EMA that have built a community shelter for the Town of Vina. Other community shelters are still being planned for Red Bay, Russellville, Phil Campbell and Hodges.
"There have also been other grants secured through the Hazard Mitigation Program for other departments such as the Franklin County Water Authority and the Russellville Electric Department," she said.
Other accomplishments include improved communication equipment, computers, weather radar and the All-Hazard Emergency Operations Plan.
Frederick said she plans on doing a little traveling and enjoying her off-time in retirement, and after 40-years of planning for the worst she's ready to relax a little.
"I'm going to call the cable company and have them take the weather channel off my television," she laughed. "If bad weather is coming, I don't want to know about it."
County commission chairman Mike Green said the commission will officially vote to accept Frederick's letter of retirement Monday and her last day on the job will be March 31.
Deputy EMA Director Roy Gober will act as interim-director and Frederick will serve as a consultant until a new director is hired.