10:15 aM

Community Emergency Response Teams

Bob Palmer, Simpson County Emergency Manager, will provide an overview of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), highlighting their role in disaster preparedness and response. Participants will learn about the benefits of CERT programs, essential training components, and steps to establish or join a local team to enhance community resilience.

View the Presentation

How Session Aligns with CEDS and Local Strategic Plans

Each breakout session featured is thoughtfully aligned with the key goals and objectives outlined in both the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Local Strategic Plans developed for each of BRADD’s 10 counties. These sessions were designed to support the implementation of locally driven priorities and regional strategies that move our communities forward.

Relevant strategic plan objectives being covered by this session:

Presenter:

EMA Director, Simpson County

Robert Palmer

About me

Robert Palmer has served as the Emergency Management Director for Simpson County since 2007. A certified EMT since 1984, he began his public service on a volunteer ambulance crew alongside his father in Kansas. He went on to serve 21 years in the Army National Guard with deployments including Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Hurricane Katrina.

With a background as an over-the-road truck driver, Robert has encountered emergencies and disasters across the U.S. and Canada, fueling a lifelong commitment to emergency response. He earned an associate degree in Fire Science from SKYCTC in 2012 and has volunteered extensively with Franklin-Simpson Fire Rescue. He currently works PRN as an EMT with the Franklin-Simpson County Ambulance Service.

During his tenure, Simpson County has managed multiple federally declared disasters, including five Individual Assistance events.

Back to Full Summit Agenda

CEDS Summit 2025