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The primary
mission of the NWS to “protect lives” cannot be accomplished without
the critical assistance of our partners – elected officials,
emergency managers and emergency responders – who make decisions and
take actions to protect the public during weather, flooding, and
HAZMAT emergencies. Without such individuals and groups, critical
forecasts and warnings issued by the NWS would not be as effective
in our life saving task.
The value of such
partnerships is perhaps best noted in the following statement taken
from an NWS program review after Hurricane Rita:
“The
absolute minimal loss of life during the Category 3 Rita onslaught
was directly related to the planning, cooperation, and close working
partnerships developed between WFO Lake Charles and the vast
interrelated groups of state, parish, county and local emergency
responders and elected officials.”
WFO Lake Charles
has been recognized for its performance before, during and after
Hurricane Rita, with the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal, the
National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration Administrator’s
Award, and the American Meteorological Society Award for
Excellence.
It is obvious
that these awards extend well beyond this office to each partner
who, over the years and during Rita and other events,
made our communities a safer place to live.
Realizing that
all good things must come to an end, I have announced my retirement
from the National Weather Service early in 2007. I will fondly
remember the partners I had the pleasure to work with during my
term, and they have been the best! Thank you, and may you have fair
sailing in your future. |
www.nws.noaa.gov 
