Office of Emergency Management

Emergency Management

Leadership

• Director: Fire Chief Chris Edwards
  
• Deputy Director: Police Chief John Bucherati
  
• Assistant Director: Fire Marshal Tim Willis
  
  
  

About Emergency Management

The Emergency Management Director (EMD) is appointed by the First Selectman and serves as the Town’s chief advisor on all emergency management matters. The Director ensures Seymour complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including:

• Title 28 and Public Act 87-535 of the Connecticut General Statutes
• The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)
  

The EMD develops, organizes, and coordinates the Town’s Emergency Management Program, which aims to save lives and protect property by maintaining strong capabilities to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters.

Core Responsibilities

The Emergency Management Director is responsible for:

• Emergency Organization, Planning & Management

Developing and maintaining plans, procedures, and coordination systems for all-hazards preparedness and response.

• Direction, Control & Warning

Coordinating emergency notifications, public warnings, and operational direction during incidents.

• Population Protection

Implementing strategies to safeguard residents, including evacuation planning, sheltering, and protective actions.

• Training & Exercises

Providing training, drills, and exercises to ensure readiness for local officials, responders, and volunteers.

• Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC)

Coordinating LEPC activities, including hazardous materials planning and Tier II reporting compliance.

Departmental Responsibilities

Emergency responsibilities assigned to department chiefs by Town Charter remain under the authority of those chiefs. The EMD works collaboratively with all departments to ensure a unified and effective emergency management structure.