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Eddie Gilbert, Director
Eddie Gilbert joined the EMA staff in 2010. He has received training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the National Weather Service. Eddie is currently a member of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers.
Eddie’s responsibilities include management of the emergency management program and providing assurance to the citizens of Limestone County that the EMA staff, equipment and facility are ready to respond to all hazards. He provides overall direction and control during emergency operations and during drills, which are conducted regularly to test emergency response plans.
Daphne Ellison, Emergency Management Officer
Daphne Ellison joined the EMA staff, serving as Public Information Officer, in October 2000. She was promoted to Emergency Management Officer in 2010. Daphne previously worked in the Limestone County Courthouse in the Probate Judge’s office. She has received training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the Central United States Earthquake Consortium, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Daphne is a member of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers.
Daphne is responsible for all mitigation activities, including applying for and administering mitigation grants. She provides public information to the media on a day-to-day basis and during disasters. Daphne prepares annual budget requests and administers the EMA budget throughout the year. She prepares and submits various agency reports and provides support to the Emergency Management Director.
Trent Simon, Emergency Management Officer
Trent Simon joined the EMA staff in October of 2021, previously working in Emergency Management with another county. Trent is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and FEMA’s Basic Academy. He has received training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the National Weather Service, and the Alabama Fire College. Trent is a member of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers.
Trent is responsible for developing and maintaining emergency response plans and supporting documents for county and city agencies and public officials. This employee is responsible for the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) program, which includes conducting training and exercises for the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. Trent prepares annual budget requests and administers the TVA budget throughout the year. He prepares and submits various agency reports and provides support to the Emergency Management Director.
Emergency Operations Center
The Limestone County Emergency Operations Center or EOC is the central point for coordination of disaster response and recovery efforts in Limestone County and its’ jurisdictions. The EOC provides a facility for decision makers to coordinate the emergency response and recovery process. The facility gives those decision makers a location to work together for improved communications, coordination and effectiveness.
EOC Capabilities Include:
- Emergency generator
- Emergency water supply
- Radio communications with local, state and federal emergency response agencies
- Sufficient telephone lines for emergency operations
- Internet capability
- SMART Interactive Boards
- Specialized software for emergency management reporting
- Phone bank for emergency operations
- Bunk room for 24 hour operations
- Kitchen facility
- Conference room