White House ceremony for Glen Ellen’s Atwood

For her work as founder of the Horse and Livestock Team Emergency Response Project, Glen Ellen rancher Julie Atwood is presented with a National Preparedness Award from Tim Manning, FEMA Deputy Administrator, Protection & National Preparedness, in a ceremony at The White House.

HALTER is Atwood’s grassroots initiative raising awareness and funding for local fire services, animal services, and organizations to enhance emergency preparedness and large-animal rescue resources.

Only 11 agencies across the country received a FEMA award this year. “It’s gratifying to have our efforts recognized by the nation’s top agency responsible for responding to disasters,” said Atwood.

At the September 13 event, HALTER received a Preparedness Award in the Awareness to Action category, and Honorable Mention as a Community Preparedness Champion.

Over the course of two days, Atwood met with top officials from FEMA, the American Association of Counties, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, American Red Cross and other federal agencies.

Atwood said meeting, networking, and exchanging ideas with policy makers, and the other award winners, was enriching and invigorating. “The projects we learned about are truly unique,” she said. “During the long, intense whirlwind of activities, we forged terrific new friendships and connections.

Along with the other honorees, Atwood will be responsible for collecting information, reporting to FEMA regional leadership, and acting as Ambassadors within their respective regions. HALTER will be looked at as a model for rural areas across the country. “FEMA leaders plied us with questions about our programs and ideas,” Atwood said.

Back home, Atwood is optimistic and enthusiastic about evolving programs for both volunteers and paid responders. “The ICP Award has also strengthened our relationships with emergency managers in our own county,” she said. “A huge boost!”