Hurricane Gustav sure “slapped us in the face” as my wife likes to say.

Teamwork was the key, Adams County and the City of Natchez rolled up their sleeves, got prepared and got the job done.

Being without the internet at home last week and trying to relax, I decided to start writing a little about those individuals and organizations that really stood out and went the extra mile. I know I will omit some that deserve mentioning and will not mention some that were obvious. This is a list of those that the general public did NOT know were working to bring everything together for the good of ALL.

I’m not going to mention Adams County Sheriff Ronny Brown and the fact that his personnel was responsible for making sure my equipment and supplies were ready and where they needed to be. This was one less worry for my office.

I’m not going to mention the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross and all they did for sheltering and feeding those in need.

I’m not going to mention the Natchez Fire Department and how they are now able to assist beyond the call of duty.

I’m not going to mention the public works crews of the county and city that were out there when conditions were the worst, making sure paths were available for emergency services to respond.

OK, on to those I do want to mention. This is my short list.

Let’s start with the Adams County EMA office. My underpaid personnel include my Executive Assistant Angela Dyer and House Numbering Director Alice Jones. Dedicated does NOT describe these two very committed individuals. The personal sacrifices they endured the last week will never be made up with what little overtime they made. The volunteers, Everard and Jan Baker, Chief Keith Smith (LMVFD), James Young, Chief Eddie Ray (FMVFD), Claude Ray, John and Sharon Goodrich, Johnny Rodriguez and my wife Debbie among others that just popped in to give a hand.

Sally Durkin and the Natchez Visitors Center, what can I say. “Sally can you..” “YES” she interrupted. Sally did a great job getting the Distribution Center up and going even though a hiccup here or there was heard. Sally even helped me “push” some ice and water to Amite, Jefferson, and Wilkinson Counties. What are neighbors for?

CCA Corrections Corporation of America’s Dennis Warner stepped forward and asked what they could do to help. CCA helped us warehouse some items until they were ready to be distributed. Welcome to the neighborhood CCA, glad to have you.

Mississippi Gaming Commission, these guys were great. Not only did they help with security at CCA, they ended up distributing ice and water at the Visitors Center for locals that needed it. They then joined forces with some off duty Natchez Fire Department personnel to do a preliminary damage assessment of Adams County that saved untold hours when the Red Cross and MEMA / FEMA showed up to do the “official” ones. I’ll definitely not lose Agent John Gorman’s phone number. Saying thanks will never be enough for the services your agency provided.

I know I have left off numerous agencies and individuals that deserve to be mentioned. Please excuse me for this but I just had to thank some that have not received the thanks they needed.

Teamwork, communication and a dedication to serve the public was evident by all those tasked to respond. The next time you see anyone that may have picked up a chainsaw, give them a big smile and a handshake.

Stan Owens is the Adams County Emergency Management Director