East Haven Fire Chief Named 'Emergency Manager of the Year'

East Haven's first responders can add another feather of excellence to their cap.

Fire Chief Douglas Jackson has been selected as the '2012 Emergency Manager of the Year' by the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The award is presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the field of emergency management.

When threatened and then , Jackson not only coordinated the 's response, but served as the town-wide lead throughout the entire event — and its immediate aftermath.

But the fire chief's work didn't stop once the winds and the waters waned.

It continued, coordinating the . And taking the lead in filing the actual paperwork and managing the town's application process for federal reimbursements to offset the cost for storm cleanup and damage.

"Chief Jackson's accomplishments, leadership and dedication prove that he truly demonstrates the qualities our selection committee seeks when choosing a candidate," William J. Hackett, the state's emergency management director, wrote in the June 27 letter announcing the chief's selection.

Hackett added that Chief Jackson will recieve his award and be honored at an upcoming meeting of the deparmtent's advisory council.

East Haven Patch will be sitting down with Chief Jackson, and other fire officials, for an upcoming comprehensive overview of the department's emergency management work.