By Karen Haave
Monee Village Trustee Michael Wilson had a proud dad moment recently when his son was sworn in as an Emergency Management Agency volunteer.
Michael Wilson Jr., is just 19 years old and one of the youngest members of Monee EMA.
His interest in EMA was unexpected, his father said. Wilson Senior is a Gulf War Era Veteran, who served in the USMC in active duty from June 1991-June 1995. “When he began to inquire about becoming a member of EMA, I was shocked initially. Volunteerism seems to be a lost art these days, and just knowing he wanted to volunteer made me proud. Knowing my son, it made perfect sense, though. He loves to help people!”
After Michael Jr., was sworn in during the village board meeting, his dad commented, “I am proud to see my son follow in his father’s footsteps in becoming a public servant.”
According to EMA Director Randy Ulaskas, the group was certified in 2015. It currently has 18 volunteers.
EMA is “tasked to develop, coordinate, and promote a Comprehensive Emergency Management Program.” It incorporates planning, preparedness, response, and recovery activities relative to emergencies or disasters, whether natural or man-made.
Monee EMA serves as a liaison, and collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies, profit and non-profit institutions, and volunteer organizations, as well as activities related to the establishment of a Comprehensive Emergency Management Program.
Duties of the Emergency Management Agency include:
  • Developing and maintaining the village’s emergency operation plan, which promotes a framework for the coordination of emergency response across a broad spectrum of discipline and agencies
  • Developing and maintaining emergency communications and warning equipment
  • Promotion of mitigation activities
  • Traffic control
  • Emergency lighting
  • Severe weather spotting 
  • Public education and information
For more information, or  to become a member of the Monee EMA team, call 708-534-8305 or email Director Randy Ulaskas at rulaskas@villageofmonee.org.
Monee EMA provides all training and uniforms at no cost to the applicant. Applicants must be 18 years of age, cannot have been convicted of a felony, must be a citizen of the United States, must possess a valid driver’s license, and are required to pass a background check and physical at no cost to themselves. Monee residency is not required.

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