Don Brown elected as SEPA’s president

The Saskatchewan Emergencies Planners Association (SEPA) has a new president. Don Brown of Eston, now fills that role, and has been a member of the SEPA for thirteen years. Don has a significant amount of experience in this field. He was EMO Director of RM of Snipe Lake No. 259 for twelve years, Deputy Fire Chief at Eston and District Fire Department for a total of 21 years, and worked thirteen years as an EMS.

SEPA is a non-profit, member led corporation, representing the full spectrum of public and private emergency management. Members come from cities, towns, villages and rural municipalities throughout Saskatchewan. The entire Board of Directors consists of volunteers who offer a wealth of expertise, ideas and enthusiasm for the work of the Association. Don is one of those enthusiastic members, who is looking forward to his new duties.

“Through our annual conference we bring in speakers, do different exercises to help people throughout the province to prepare sustainable emergency plans. We bring in up to date training to the people of Saskatchewan,” Don explained.

The theme at this year’s conference, which was held from November 7th to 10th in Saskatoon, was “Picking up the pieces”, which dealt with clean-up after a storm or plough wind. As president, Don will be involved with finalizing the training that’s brought in, and welcoming the delegates and speakers. The conference begins with two days of training, followed by two days of special speakers.

“We make sure communities have up to date insurance, in case of hail or tornadoes. In order to ensure they have this in their plans, we bring in people who talk about an insurance plan, and a business continuity plan that allows businesses to function after a disaster,” Don explained. He also stressed the importance of networking at the conference, where individuals have the opportunity to meet EMOs from other areas. This enables people to get different ideas and have that contact to get further information if needed.

Throughout the year, Don and other board members, are available to help communities throughout Saskatchewan to build a plan, and provide the most up-to-date training. An example is a presentation Don prepared a few years ago for the West Central Municipal Agency, who had invited the SEPA to speak to their members.

“SEPA started as an association in 1985 because there was nothing in the province to set up for emergencies. Over the years we’ve had other provinces wanting to be part of it. We’re a growing association. It’s a very interesting field, and I’m looking forward to being President,” Don concluded.

Submitted Photo: Don Brown addresses the delegates as their new President during the 2022 Annual SEPA Conference held Nov. 7th to 10th at the Saskatoon Inn.